bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human leucocyte antigen class I-redirected anti-tumour CD4+ T cells require a higher T cell receptor binding affinity for optimal activity than CD8+ T cells
Authors: Tan M P , Dolton G M , Gerry A B , Brewer J E , Bennett A D , Pumphrey N J , Jakobsen B K , Sewell A K 
Published: June 2016

SummaryCD4+ T helper cells are a valuable component of the immune response towards cancer. Unfortunately, natural tumour-specific CD4+ T cells occur in low frequency, express relatively low-affinity T cell receptors (TCRs) and show poor reactivity towards cognate antigen. In addition, the lack of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II expression on most cancers dictates that these cells are often unable to respond to tumour cells directly. These deficiencies can be overcome by transducing primary CD4+ T cells with tumour-specific HLA class I-restricted TCRs prior to adoptive transfer. The lack of help from the co-receptor CD8 glycoprotein in CD4+ cells might result in these cells requiring a different optimal TCR binding affinity. Here we compared primary CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing wild-type and a range of affinity-enhanced TCRs specific for the HLA A*0201-restricted NY-ESO-1- and gp100 tumour antigens. Our major findings are: (i) redirected primary CD4+ T cells expressing TCRs of sufficiently high affinity exhibit a wide range of effector functions, including cytotoxicity, in response to cognate peptide; and (ii) optimal TCR binding affinity is higher in CD4+ T cells than CD8+ T cells. These results indicate that the CD4+ T cell component of current adoptive therapies using TCRs optimized for CD8+ T cells is below par and that there is room for substantial improvement.
The life cycle of a T cell after vaccination – where does immune ageing strike?
Authors: Kim C , Fang F , Weyand C M , Goronzy J J 
Published: June 2016

Summary
Vaccination is the optimal intervention to prevent the increased morbidity and mortality from infection in older individuals and to maintain immune health during ageing. To optimize benefits from vaccination, strategies have to be developed that overcome the defects in an adaptive immune response that occur with immune ageing. Most current approaches are concentrated on activating the innate immune system by adjuvants to improve the induction of a T cell response. This review will focus upon T cell-intrinsic mechanisms that control how a T cell is activated, expands rapidly to differentiate into short-lived effector cells and into memory precursor cells, with short-lived effector T cells then mainly undergoing apoptosis and memory precursor cells surviving as long-lived memory T cells. Insights into each step of this longitudinal course of a T cell response that takes place over a period of several weeks is beginning to allow identifying interventions that can improve this process of T cell memory generation and specifically target defects that occur with ageing.
A qualitative study of reasons for seeking and ceasing opioid substitution treatment in prisons in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Larney Sarah , Zador Deborah , Sindicich Natasha , Dolan Kate 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroduction and AimsOpioid substitution treatment (OST) reduces drug‐related harms in custody and after release. However, OST providers in prisons have reported that some patients prefer to cease treatment prior to release, placing them at risk of fatal overdose. We aimed to examine reasons for seeking OST in custody, and intentions regarding continuation or cessation of treatment prior to and following release.Design and MethodsThis qualitative study employed semi‐structured interviews with opioid‐dependent people currently incarcerated in New South Wales, Australia.ResultsOf 46 participants, 27 were currently in OST. Reported benefits of OST included withdrawal management and avoidance of high‐risk injecting. Over a third of participants in OST stated their intention to withdraw from OST prior to release. Reasons included concerns that attending community OST clinics could lead to drug use or offending, family opposition, inconvenience of clinic attendance, stigma and a perception that prison provided an opportunity to withdraw from OST more easily than in the community. Nineteen participants had already ceased OST in custody or had declined it, citing preferences to ‘be clean’ and the long‐term nature of OST.Discussion and ConclusionsBalancing the preference of many patients to cease OST prior to release against patient safety post‐release is a substantial challenge for opioid treatment providers in correctional settings. These findings indicate the need for research on how best to attract and retain opioid‐dependent prisoners in treatment and the need to provide other interventions for prisoners uninterested in post‐release OST, such as take‐home naloxone. [Larney S, Zador D, Sindicich N, Dolan K. A qualitative study of reasons for seeking and ceasing opioid substitution treatment in prisons in New South Wales, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:305–310]
Effect of thermal shrinkage during thermoforming on the thickness of fabricated mouthguards: Part 2 pressure formation
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Satoh Yoshihide , Iwasaki Shin‐ichi 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of thermal shrinkage, which occurs during thermoforming of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets on the thickness of mouthguards fabricated by pressure formation.Materials and methodsMouthguards were fabricated from 4.0‐mm‐thick EVA sheets by utilizing a pressure‐forming machine. Two molding conditions were compared: The sheets were placed in the thermoforming machine with the sheet extrusion direction either vertical or parallel to the model's center line. The working model was trimmed to the height of 20 mm at the cutting edge of the maxillary central incisor and 15 mm at the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar. The sheet was pressed against the working model for 2 min where the center of the softened sheet sagged 15 mm lower than the clamp. After fabrication, the thickness of mouthguard sheets was determined for the incisal (incisal edge and labial surface) and molar (cusp and buccal surface) portions, and dimensional measurements were made. Differences in molded mouthguard thickness with the sheet orientation of extruded sheets were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U‐test.ResultIn comparison with the parallel axis orientation, the sheets in vertical orientation with the model's centerline yielded significantly higher thickness measurements at the incisal edge, labial surface, and the cusp (P < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionThe results suggest that the EVA sheet produced by extrusion molding in vertical axis orientation with the model's centerline can effectively reduce loss of thickness in mouthguards after pressure formation.
Erysiphe australiana: the cause of powdery mildew onLagerstroemia speciosain Brazil
Authors: Fonseca N. R. , Guimarães L. M. S. , Pires R. P. , Alfenas A. C. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryPowdery mildew symptoms and signs were observed on seedlings ofLagerstroemia speciosawithin an ornamental plant nursery in Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Signs were most prominent as intense mycelial growth and sporulation on the shoots, new branches and leaves, which led to tissue necrosis. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of ITS and 28S rDNA sequences, the powdery mildew pathogen ofL. speciosawas identified asErysiphe australiana, a well‐known powdery mildew pathogen infectingLagerstroemiaspp. worldwide. To our knowledge, this is the first report ofE. australianacausing powdery mildew onL. speciosain Brazil.
The couch grass rhizome with Heterobasidion annosum fruiting bodies in afforested post‐agricultural land
Authors: Sierota Z. , Damszel M. , Borys M. , Nowakowska J. A. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe pathogenic fungus Heterobasidion annosum was identified in the rhizome of a couch grass (Elymus repens) using genetic markers. The couch grass grew in the proximity of a Scots pine stand that was visibly affected by the pathogen. The rDNA analysis showed 100% sequence similarity between two H. annosum sequences of ITS1 and ITS2 obtained from fruiting bodies found on the couch grass rhizome and on the stem of the Scots pine. These results indicate a close relationship between the two isolates of H. annosum and that they are derived from a common ancestor. The results show that H. annosum mycelia can infect couch grass rhizomes and subsequently produce fruiting bodies. It also suggests that the known modes of infection of tree roots by this pathogen in coniferous stands should take into account couch grass rhizomes in the dispersal of the disease in afforested post‐agricultural soils.
Phytophthora species isolated from ash stands in Białowieża Forest nature reserve
Authors: Tkaczyk M. , Nowakowska J. A. , Oszako T. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryFive Phytophthora species were isolated from the rhizosphere of ash‐dominated areas of the Białowieza European lowland forest nature reserve area. Morphological and DNA analyses identified Phytophthora fragariaefolia, P. plurivora, P. cactorum, P. lacustris and P. pseudosyringae. This is the first record of P. fragariaefolia in ash forests and demonstrates that several species in the potentially highly damaging Phytophthora genus are present within a near‐pristine ecosystem.
Extraction of maxillary teeth by dental students without palatal infiltration of local anaesthesia: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Khan S. R. , Qazi S. R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectivePalatal infiltration of local anaesthesia (LA) for maxillary tooth extractions is painful. One of the techniques for reducing the discomfort of this injection is to avoid it altogether. Given enough time, LA administered only as buccal infiltration diffuses to reach and anaesthetise the palatal tissues. The aim of this double‐blind randomised controlled trial was to test the hypothesis that buccal infiltration alone of LA by dental students should be adequate for maxillary tooth extractions.Patients and methodsFifty adult patients presenting for single‐tooth maxillary extractions were randomly allocated between two groups. The control group received palatal injections of 0.1 ml 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline, whilst the experimental group received a similar amount of saline (placebo). Extractions performed without further administration of LA were categorised as successful.ResultsPalatal infiltration of lidocaine with adrenaline was significantly more effective than saline (P = 0.002). Overall buccal infiltration alone was successful in 28% patients, with a 40% success rate in the posterior maxilla.ConclusionResults suggest that dental students should, as a matter of routine, extract maxillary teeth with both buccal and palatal infiltration of LA, whilst buccal infiltration alone may be considered in the posterior maxilla.
Citrate vs. acetate dialysate on intradialytic heparin dose: A double blind randomized crossover study
Authors: Leung Kelvin C. W. , Tai Davina J. , Ravani Pietro , Quinn Rob R. , Scott‐Douglas Nairne , MacRae Jennifer M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroduction Citrate containing dialysate has a calcium‐binding anticoagulant effect compared to standard acetic acid containing dialysate. We performed a randomized, double‐blind, crossover trial in maintenance HD patients to determine if citrate dialysate (“citrate”) safely allows for a lower cumulative heparin dose (“heparin dose”).Methods Intradialytic heparin was adjusted to the minimum during a 2‐week run‐in phase. Patients remaining on heparin at the end of the run‐in phase were then randomized to two weeks of HD with acetate dialysate (“acetate”) followed by two weeks of citrate (sequence 1) or two weeks of citrate followed by two weeks of acetate (sequence 2). We estimated a minimum of 14 patients are required to show a 30% reduction in heparin dose per HD session with citrate compared with acetate. Twenty‐five patients entered the run‐in phase, 20 were randomized, and 19 completed the study.Findings The mean heparin dose was reduced by 19% (656 units, 95% CI −174 to −1139 units, P = 0.011) in the acetate group, and 30% (1046 units 95% CI −498 to 1594 units, P < 0.001) in the citrate group. There was no difference in the mean heparin dose reduction between the two dialysates (P > 0.05). The intradialytic ionized calcium in the citrate group was lowered by 0.10 mmol/L (95% CI 0.07 to 0.14 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and remained unchanged in the acetate group.Discussion Although citrate is a safe alternative to acetate, it does not result in additional heparin dose reduction.
Inter‐country wage differences in the European Union
Authors: PEREIRA João , GALEGO Aurora 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis article investigates the determinants of wage gaps between European Union countries along the wage distribution, applying the methodology proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and Fortin, Lemieux and Firpo (2011). The authors conclude that both wage structure and composition effects contribute to explaining wage differentials, but that the wage structure effect is more important. This latter effect would appear to derive from differences between unknown factors, while the composition effect can largely be explained by differences in the following areas: education, proportion of workers with supervisory responsibilities, occupational structure, and, to a lesser extent, industrial structure.
A Comparison of Two Methods for Recruiting Children with an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Adams Dawn , Handley Louise , Heald Mary , Simkiss Doug , Jones Alison , Walls Emily , Oliver Chris 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundRecruitment is a widely cited barrier of representative intellectual disability research, yet it is rarely studied. This study aims to document the rates of recruiting children with intellectual disabilities using two methods and discuss the impact of such methods on sample characteristics.MethodsQuestionnaire completion rates are compared between (i) participants being approached in child development centre waiting rooms and (ii), one year later, the same participants being invited to take part by phone, email and/or post.ResultsThe face‐to‐face recruitment method resulted in a better recruitment rate (58.5% compared to 18.5%) and a larger sample (n = 438) than the telephone/email/post sample (n = 40). It also required less hours of researcher time per completed questionnaire.ConclusionsIn‐line with previous research, recruitment of participants with intellectual disabilities (or their parents/carers) requires significant time and resources to get a sample of an acceptable size.
Characterization, Mapping, and Ablation of Complex Atrial Tachycardia: Initial Experience With a Novel Method of Ultra High‐Density 3D Mapping
Authors: SCHAEFFER BENJAMIN , HOFFMANN BORIS A. , MEYER CHRISTIAN , AKBULAK RUKEN Ö. , MOSER JULIA , JULARIC MARIO , EICKHOLT CHRISTIAN , NÜHRICH JANA M. , KUKLIK PAWEL , WILLEMS STEPHAN 
Published: June 2016

Ultra High‐Density Mapping of Complex ATIntroductionConventional mapping of complex atrial tachycardias (ATs) can be challenging. Thus, we evaluated feasibility and utility of a novel, ultra high‐density 3D mapping approach to characterize and map AT in these cases.Methods and ResultsOverall, 21 patients (67.4 ± 7.6 years; male: 52.4%, 1.9 ± 1.4 previous ablation procedures) with documented AT referred to our center underwent catheter ablation including ultra high‐density mapping using a novel 64‐electrode mini‐basket catheter and an adjunctive 3D mapping system. A total of 24 AT (20 left atrial, 4 right atrial AT) were analyzed in 19 cases. In 2 patients, map acquisition failed due to scarce local electrograms and unstable AT cycle length, respectively. Underlying mechanisms were focal (n = 3), as well as local (n = 8) and macro (n = 13) reentry tachycardias with a mean cycle length of 311.8 ± 67.7 milliseconds. The analysis of propagation waves, activation and voltage revealed complex activation patterns and allowed for the identification of critical sites of AT initiation or maintenance without the need for further mapping techniques. In all cases critical sites could be verified by successful consecutive ablation. Mean mapping time was 19.4 ± 7.6 minutes, mean number of mapping points was 19,217 ± 10,270. Radiofrequency application until first effect was 165.1 ± 374.2 seconds; total procedure time was 157.6 ± 51.4 minutes, fluoroscopy time 21.7 ± 13.8 minutes, and total radiofrequency duration 1,016 ± 951.9 seconds, respectively. No severe complications occurred.ConclusionUltra high‐density mapping of complex AT is safe and feasible. Further, it enables detailed insight into AT mechanisms. Critical AT sites can be identified precisely in order to guide successful catheter ablation.
Feelings of stigmatization in patients with rosacea
Authors: Halioua B. , Cribier B. , Frey M. , Tan J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundRosacea is a chronic facial disease that may lead to feelings of stigmatization, which can negatively impact psychological and social well‐being.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate different aspects of rosacea that could contribute to feelings of stigmatization.MethodsAn online survey of a representative sample of the adult population in the UK, France, Germany and US was conducted to identify patients with rosacea based on presence of three or more clinical features.ResultsAmong the patients who completed the survey (n = 807), mean age at first sign/symptom of rosacea was 31.3 ± 14.5 years; mean duration of disease was 102 ± 119 months. One‐third of patients reported feelings of stigmatization (FS; n = 275). Male patients were more likely to experience FS (49% vs. 37.2% in non‐FS population; P = 0.0037). Those with FS were more likely to avoid social situations (54.2% vs. 2.0%, P < 1.00E‐10) and had a higher rate of depression (36.7% vs. 21.1%, P < 1.00E‐10).ConclusionsStigmatization is important in the daily lives of those with rosacea and should be taken into consideration in the management of these patients.
Epidemiology of cutaneous sarcoidosis, 1976–2013: a population‐based study from Olmsted County, Minnesota
Authors: Ungprasert P. , Wetter D.A. , Crowson C.S. , Matteson E.L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe epidemiology of cutaneous sarcoidosis is not well‐characterized as only referral‐based studies are available.ObjectivesTo characterize the epidemiology of cutaneous sarcoidosis, with emphasis on annual incidence and clinical characteristics, from 1976 to 2013.MethodsInception cohorts of patients with incident isolated cutaneous sarcoidosis and incident systemic sarcoidosis with cutaneous involvement in 1976–2013 in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States were identified based on comprehensive individual medical record review. Inclusion in the isolated cutaneous sarcoidosis cohort required physician diagnosis and skin biopsy showing non‐necrotizing granuloma. Inclusion in the systemic sarcoidosis with cutaneous involvement cohort required presence of systemic sarcoidosis and cutaneous lesions. Presence of systemic sarcoidosis was determined by physician diagnosis supported by histopathology of non‐necrotizing granuloma, characteristic radiologic features of intrathoracic sarcoidosis and exclusion of other granulomatous diseases. Cutaneous lesions were defined as either sarcoidosis‐specific or non‐specific.ResultsThere were 62 cases with sarcoidosis‐specific cutaneous lesions (36 cases of sarcoidosis‐specific cutaneous lesions and 26 cases of isolated cutaneous sarcoidosis) which corresponded to an incidence of 1.9 per 100 000 population. The female to male ratio was 2.1 : 1. Plaques, papules and subcutaneous nodules were the most commonly observed cutaneous lesions. There was no significant difference in cutaneous presentation between those who had isolated skin disease and those who had skin disease in association with systemic sarcoidosis. Prognosis of cutaneous sarcoidosis was favourable, as over 90% of patients had a good response to either glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine or tetracycline antibiotics. This study has a significant limitation, in that the studied population was predominantly Caucasians who generally have a lower prevalence of skin disease.ConclusionsThe incidence of sarcoidosis‐specific cutaneous lesions was about 1.9 per 100 000 population with female predominance. The cutaneous presentations were similar among those with and without systemic sarcoidosis.
No association of psoriasis with autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Vassilatou E. , Papadavid E. , Papastamatakis P. , Alexakos D. , Koumaki D. , Katsimbri P. , Hadjidakis D. , Dimitriadis G. , Rigopoulos D. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundCommon autoimmune diseases tend to coexist in the same patients. Few studies have examined the possible association between autoimmune thyroiditis and psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with inconsistent results.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in psoriatic patients with or without PsA, living in an iodine‐sufficient area.MethodsWe studied prospectively, 114 psoriatic patients with disease duration of 5–38 years, 30 of them with PsA, and 286 age‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched subjects without psoriasis or known thyroid disease or autoimmune disease. A detailed medical history was obtained from all participants and clinical examination and laboratory evaluation was performed. Psoriasis severity was assessed with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Autoimmune thyroiditis was defined by the presence of positive autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase and/or thyroglobulin.ResultsThere was no difference in the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis between psoriatic patients and controls (20.2% vs. 19.6%). The prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in male and female psoriatic patients was similar (9.6% and 10.5% respectively), in contrast to the increased, as expected, prevalence in female vs. male controls (14.7% vs. 4.9%, P < 0.01). Detected cases with hypothyroidism due to autoimmune thyroiditis were similar in psoriatic patients and controls (7.9% and 7.0% respectively). Autoimmune thyroiditis in psoriatic patients was not related with age of psoriasis onset, psoriasis duration, PASI score, PsA and obesity.ConclusionThese data support that psoriatic patients with or without PsA do not have an increased risk for autoimmune thyroiditis.
Efficacy of topical chamomile management vs. placebo in patients with oral lichen planus: a randomized double‐blind study
Authors: Lopez Jornet P. , Aznar‐Cayuela C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical therapeutic efficacy of topical applications of chamomile vs. a placebo for treating oral lichen planus (OLP).MethodsThis double‐blind study, randomly divided 60 patients with OLP into two groups, 30 treated with 2% Chamaemelum nobile gel (0.5 mL/3 times a day) and 30 treated with a placebo (Trial Registration NCT02421770). A visual analogue scale was used to rate pain, itching and burning sensation, and Thongprasom Index, the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP‐14) and the Hospital Anxiety‐Depression Scale. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.ResultsPatients treated with chamomile showed significant improvements after 4 weeks for pain (P < 0.001), burning sensation (P < 0.001), itching (P = 0.011), OHIP‐14 (P < 0.001) and Thongprasom index (P = 0.001); 92% of patients treated with chamomile showed a partial or total response, while only five subjects (17%) in the placebo group showed any improvement.ConclusionThe topical application of 2% chamomile gel is an effective treatment for OLP.