bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional dichotomy of Vδ2 γδ T cells in chronic hepatitis C virus infections: role in cytotoxicity but not for IFN-γ production
Authors: Yin Wenwei , Tong Shiwen , Zhang Qiongfang , shao Jianying , Liu Qian , Peng Hong , Hu Huaidong , Peng Mingli , Hu Peng , Ren Hong , Tian Zhigang , Zhang Dazhi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractVδ2 γδ (Vδ2) T cells, a major human γδ T cell subset, exhibit broad anti-tumor and anti-infective activity; however, their precise role in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the phenotype and function of Vδ2 T cells in 43 HCV-infected patients compared to 39 healthy controls (HCs). Vδ2 T cells from HCV-infected patients were activated and differentiated into effector cells. Vδ2 T cells in patients expressed significantly higher levels of natural killer (NK) cell markers CD56 and CD16 than in HCs, acquiring cytotoxic NK-like phenotype. The Vδ2 T cell phenotype was associated with increased cytolytic effector molecules expression in HCV-infected patients with elevated serum ALT levels. Surprisingly, Vδ2 T cells in patients had a markedly impaired capacity to produce IFN-γ. Further in vitro and in vivo analysis showed that interferon-α, which was induced during HCV infection, caused Vδ2 T cell function bias toward cytotoxicity. These results suggest a functional dichotomy for Vδ2 T cells in chronic HCV infections: a role in cytotoxicity but not for IFN-γ production, which may contribute to both the liver inflammation and HCV persistence.
Alteration of functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder: effect of age and anatomical distance
Authors: Long Zhiliang , Duan Xujun , Mantini Dante , Chen Huafu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with disruption of local- and long-range functional connectivity (FC). The direction of those changes in FC (increase or decrease), however, is inconsistent across studies. Further, age-dependent changes of distance-specific FC in ASD remain unclear. In this study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from sixty-four typical controls (TC) and sixty-four patients with ASD, whom we further classified into child (<11 years), adolescent (11–18 years) and adult cohorts (>18 years). Functional connectivity (FC) analysis was conducted at voxel level. We employed a three-way analysis of covariance on FC to conduct statistical analyses. Results revealed that patients with ASD had lower FC than TC in cerebellum, fusiform gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus and posterior inferior temporal gyrus. Significant diagnosis-by-distance interaction was observed in ASD patients with reduced short-range and long-range FC in posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. Importantly, we found significant diagnosis-by-age-by-distance interaction in orbitofrontal cortex with short-range FC being lower in autistic children, but –to a less extent– higher in autistic adults. Our findings suggest a major role of connection length in development changes of FC in ASD. We hope our study will facilitate deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying ASD.
Impact of Living With Scoliosis: A utility Outcome Score Assessment
Authors: Aldebeyan Sultan , Sinno Hani , Makhdom Asim , Ouellet Jean A. , Saran Neil 
Published: May 2016

Study Design.
Survey.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to objectify the burden of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to better advocate for scoliosis care in the future.

Summary of Background Data.
AIS is a common spinal deformity that can affect individuals on many levels. Patients with big curves usually seek medical advice for surgical correction of their deformity.

Methods.
Participants completed an online questionnaire to help measure the health burden of AIS. Three utility outcome measures were then calculated. These included the visual analog scale, time trade off, and standard gamble. Student t test and linear regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results.
One hundred and ten participants were included in the analysis. The mean visual analog scale, time trade off, and standard gamble scores for AIS were 0.77 ± 0.16, 0.90 ± 0.11, and 0.91 ± 0.13, respectively. Factors such as age, sex, income, and level of education were dependent predictors of utility scores for AIS.

Conclusion.
Our participants demonstrated a significant perceived burden of AIS. If faced with AIS, participants were willing to sacrifice 3.6 years of their lives and undergo a procedure with 9% mortality rate to gain perfect health. Such findings can guide future allocation of resources for better scoliosis care and management.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Management of Refractory Dry Eye With Semi-Scleral Contact Lens
Authors: Yuksel Erdem , Bilgihan Kamil , Novruzlu Şahin , Yuksel Nilay , Koksal Murat 
Published: May 2016

Abstract:
We presented a case of refractory dry eye management with semi-scleral contact lens. Dry eye was associated with facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) palsy as a result of cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery. She was treated with several topical treatments and punctal plug. Despite the treatments, her symptoms still persisted. Her ophthalmic examination revealed scleral exposure because of lagophthalmos, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal debris, scar, and diffuse punctate epitheliopathy on her right eye. Lissamine green staining showed diffuse conjunctival and corneal staining. Therapeutic semi-scleral lenses were fitted. The corneal findings were resolved and the quality of patient life was improved with the aid of semi-scleral lens after 3 months.
Measles eradication in Morocco: molecular epidemiology of measles virus 1998–2014
Authors: Benamar Touria 
Published: May 2016

The molecular characterization of measles is essential in a context of elimination. Indeed, it allows identifying the origin and transmission pathways to establish or reject the connections between cases and outbreaks, to observe the evolution of circulating strains and differentiate between indigenous strains, strains imported, or vaccine strains. Therefore, the molecular characterization of the measles virus is an essential element for the documentation of the interruption of endemic transmission.
The introduction of the measles molecular surveillance in Morocco has shown significant changes over time, including the disappearance of some genotypes and the emergence of new ones. This review aims to overview this evolution, between 1998 and 2015, with regard to the measles control/elimination strategy in Morocco. This analysis reveals the direct impact of the immunization activities undertaken in Morocco on the circulating genotypes. However, a well performing surveillance system providing comprehensive epidemiological data is needed to complement the contribution of the genetic characterization.
Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Transplantation: A Global Initiative to Develop a Core Outcome Set for Trials in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Tong Allison , Budde Klemens , Gill John , Josephson Michelle A. , Marson Lorna , Pruett Timothy L. , Reese Peter P. , Rosenbloom David , Rostaing Lionel , Warrens Anthony N. , Wong Germaine , Craig Jonathan C. , Crowe Sally , Harris Tess , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Manns Braden , Tugwell Peter , Van Biesen Wim , Wheeler David C. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Evangelidis Nicole , Sautenet Benedicte , Howell Martin , Chapman Jeremy R. 
Published: May 2016

Background
Although advances in treatment have dramatically improved short-term graft survival and acute rejection in kidney transplant recipients, long-term graft outcomes have not substantially improved. Transplant recipients also have a considerably increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and infection, which all contribute to appreciable morbidity and premature mortality. Many trials in kidney transplantation are short-term, frequently use unvalidated surrogate endpoints, outcomes of uncertain relevance to patients and clinicians, and do not consistently measure and report key outcomes like death, graft loss, graft function, and adverse effects of therapy. This diminishes the value of trials in supporting treatment decisions that require individual-level multiple tradeoffs between graft survival and the risk of side effects, adverse events, and mortality. The Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Transplantation initiative aims to develop a core outcome set for trials in kidney transplantation that is based on the shared priorities of all stakeholders.

Methods
This will include a systematic review to identify outcomes reported in randomized trials, a Delphi survey with an international multistakeholder panel (patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, members from industry) to develop a consensus-based prioritized list of outcome domains and a consensus workshop to review and finalize the core outcome set for trials in kidney transplantation.

Conclusions
Developing and implementing a core outcome set to be reported, at a minimum, in all kidney transplantation trials will improve the transparency, quality, and relevance of research; to enable kidney transplant recipients and their clinicians to make better-informed treatment decisions for improved patient outcomes.
Systematic comparison of monoclonal versus polyclonal antibodies for mapping histone modifications by ChIP-seq
Authors: Busby Michele , Xue Catherine , Li Catherine , Farjoun Yossi , Gienger Elizabeth , Yofe Ido , Gladden Adrianne , Epstein Charles B. , Cornett Evan M. , Rothbart Scott B. , Nusbaum Chad , Goren Alon 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe robustness of ChIP-seq datasets is highly dependent upon the antibodies used. Currently, polyclonal antibodies are the standard despite several limitations: they are non-renewable, vary in performance between lots, and need to be validated with each new lot. In contrast, monoclonal antibody lots are renewable and provide consistent performance. To increase ChIP-seq standardization, we investigated whether monoclonal antibodies could replace polyclonal antibodies. We compared monoclonal antibodies that target five key histone modifications (H3K4me1, H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H3K27ac and H3K27me3) to their polyclonal counterparts in both human and mouse cells.ResultsOverall performance was highly similar for four monoclonal/polyclonal pairs, including when we used two distinct lots of the same monoclonal antibody. In contrast, the binding patterns for H3K27ac differed substantially between polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. However, this was most likely due to the distinct immunogen used rather than the clonality of the antibody.ConclusionsAltogether, we found that monoclonal antibodies as a class perform as well as polyclonal antibodies for the detection of histone post-translational modifications in both human and mouse. Accordingly, we recommend the use of monoclonal antibodies in ChIP-seq experiments.
Healthcare under the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in a decentralised health system
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Jayanta Mishra Anindya 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the challenges and benefits arising from the involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the provisioning of primary healthcare in a decentralised health system of India.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study design was used in this study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 89 respondents selected from nine primary health centres across the district. A thematic analytical framework approach was used to analyse the data.

Findings
The research results indicate that there are several challenges resulting from PRIs involvement, including prioritisation of service providers and users, coercive unethical work and lack of communication. However, there are some benefits associated with the involvement of the PRIs in service provisioning, including improved availability and regularity of healthcare providers at the health centres.

Research limitations/implications
The implications of the findings suggest that the PRIs play an important role in healthcare provisioning; however, their involvement is ineffective due to their partial capabilities and approach, which creates a non-conducive environment.

Practical implications
Health issues are among the most important human concerns, and recognising and addressing the grassroot challenges help to locate, and overcome the challenges that hinder the smooth healthcare provisioning process.

Originality/value
National Rural Health Mission has recognised the PRIs as a platform to promote decentralised health planning and for achieving its goals in India. The PRIs are significantly involved in planning, monitoring and provisioning of primary healthcare services at grassroot level. This paper addresses the challenges and benefits that emerged due to their involvement.
Rennet coagulation properties of UHT‐treated phosphocasein dispersions as a function of casein and NaCl concentrations
Authors: Bulca Selda , Wolfschoon‐Pombo Alan , Kulozik Ulrich 
Published: May 2016

The renneting properties of whey protein‐free, UHT‐heated (140 °C/10 s) casein dispersions were investigated as a function of casein and NaCl concentration. It was found that the rennet coagulation time and gel firmness can be optimised when the whey protein‐free casein concentration is increased, while the added NaCl concentration is kept low. The strongest gel firmness occurs at 0.05 and 0.08 m NaCl addition and at a micellar casein concentration between 6.0 and 6.6 g/100 mL. Weak rennet gels were formed at 3.0–3.6 g/100 mL casein at all NaCl concentrations tested.
Possible evolutionary origins of human female sexual fluidity
Authors: Kanazawa Satoshi 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTI propose an evolutionary theory of human female sexual fluidity and argue that women may have been evolutionarily designed to be sexually fluid in order to allow them to have sex with their cowives in polygynous marriage and thus reduce conflict and tension inherent in such marriage. In addition to providing an extensive definition and operationalization of the concept of sexual fluidity and specifying its ultimate function for women, the proposed theory can potentially solve several theoretical and empirical puzzles in evolutionary psychology and sex research. Analyses of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) confirm the theory's predictions that: (i) women (but not men) who experience increased levels of sexual fluidity have a larger number of children (suggesting that female sexual fluidity, if heritable, may be evolutionarily selected); (ii) women (but not men) who experience marriage or parenthood early in adult life subsequently experience increased levels of sexual fluidity; and (iii) sexual fluidity is significantly positively correlated with known markers of unrestricted sexual orientation among women whereas it is significantly negatively correlated with such markers among men.
Regulation of melanocortin 1 receptor in allergic rhinitis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kleiner S. , Braunstahl G‐J. , Rüdrich U. , Gehring M. , Eiz‐Vesper B. , Luger T. A. , Steelant B. , Seys S. F. , Kapp A. , Böhm M. , Hellings P. W. , Raap U. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundα‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) was shown to inhibit allergic airway inflammation and exert suppressive effects on human basophils.ObjectiveThis study aims to extend our current knowledge on the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) expression in nasal tissue of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and functional effects of α‐MSH in human basophils especially from patients with allergic rhinitis.MethodsMC1R expression before and after nasal allergen provocation was studied in nasal mucosal tissue of AR patients and in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation using immunofluorescence. In vitro regulation of the MC1R and CD203c surface expression on whole‐blood basophils of patients with AR and controls was assessed with flow cytometry. Functional effects of α‐MSH on isolated basophils were analysed regarding apoptosis with flow cytometry and chemotaxis using a Boyden chamber assay.ResultsWe detected an accumulation of MC1R‐positive basophils in nasal mucosa tissue of patients with AR 24 h after nasal allergen provocation. Such accumulation was not present in mucosa sections from healthy controls. In mice with allergic airway inflammation, we found a clear accumulation of MC1R‐positive basophils in the nasal tissue compared to control mice. MC1R expression was inducible in AR patients and controls by stimulation with anti‐IgE. α‐MSH inhibited anti‐IgE and grass pollen induced upregulation of CD203c, but had no effect on chemotaxis or apoptosis of basophils in vitro.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceMC1R‐positive basophils accumulate in the nasal mucosa of patients with AR after nasal allergen provocation. Since α‐MSH suppresses proinflammatory effector functions in human basophils via the MC1R, it constitutes an interesting novel target for modulating the allergic inflammatory response.
Multiplex component‐based allergen microarray in recent clinical studies
Authors: Patelis A. , Borres M. P. , Kober A. , Berthold M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDuring the last decades component‐resolved diagnostics either as singleplex or multiplex measurements has been introduced into the field of clinical allergology, providing important information that cannot be obtained from extract‐based tests. Here we review recent studies that demonstrate clinical applications of the multiplex microarray technique in the diagnosis and risk assessment of allergic patients, and its usefulness in studies of allergic diseases. The usefulness of ImmunoCAP ISAC has been validated in a wide spectrum of allergic diseases like asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, food allergy and anaphylaxis. ISAC provides a broad picture of a patient's sensitization profile from a single test, and provides information on specific and cross‐reactive sensitizations that facilitate diagnosis, risk assessment, and disease management. Furthermore, it can reveal unexpected sensitizations which may explain anaphylaxis previously categorized as idiopathic and also display for the moment clinically non‐relevant sensitizations. ISAC can facilitate a better selection of relevant allergens for immunotherapy compared with extract testing. Microarray technique can visualize the allergic march and molecular spreading in the preclinical stages of allergic diseases, and may indicate that the likelihood of developing symptomatic allergy is associated with specific profiles of sensitization to allergen components. ISAC is shown to be a useful tool in routine allergy diagnostics due to its ability to improve risk assessment, to better select relevant allergens for immunotherapy as well as detecting unknown sensitization. Multiplex component testing is especially suitable for patients with complex symptomatology.
Gauging the Effect of Honey Bee Pollen Collection on Native Bee Communities
Authors: Cane James H. , Tepedino Vincent J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractExperimental demonstration of direct exploitative competition between foraging honey bees and native bees in wildlands has proven elusive, due to problems of experimental design, scale, and context‐dependence. We propose a different approach that translates floral resources collected by a honey bee colony into progeny equivalents of an average solitary bee. Such a metric is needed by public land managers confronting migratory beekeeper demands for insecticide‐free, convenient, resource‐rich habitats for summering. We calculate that, from June–August, a strong colony gathers as much pollen as could produce 100,000 progeny of an average solitary bee. Analogous to the animal unit month (AUM) for livestock, a hive unit month (HUM) is therefore 33,000 native bee progeny. By this calculation, a 40‐hive apiary residing on wildlands for 3 months collects the pollen equivalent of four million wild bees. We introduce a rapid assessment metric to gauge stocking of honey bees, and briefly highlight alternative strategies to provide quality pasture for honey bees with minimal impact on native bees.
Discrimination Against Migrant Job Applicants in Austria: An Experimental Study
Authors: Weichselbaumer Doris 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper presents the results of an experimental study that examined the employment opportunities of Austrians with and without a migration background when applying for job openings. Previous experiments used applicants’ names as indicators for different ethnicities, but this signal may not always be perceived as intended by the experimenters. In this study, a novel approach was applied that signals ethnic background using carefully matched photos as distinct visual cues. While the results document employment discrimination against all groups with a migration background, it is most pronounced for applicants with African heritage. To determine why and when discrimination occurs, an array of firm- and job-specific characteristics were examined. However, they offer little help in explaining the level of employment discrimination in Austria.
Low thrombin generation during major orthopaedic surgery fails to predict the bleeding risk in inhibitor patients treated with bypassing agents
Authors: Mancuso M. E. , Chantarangkul V. , Clerici M. , Fasulo M. R. , Padovan L. , Scalambrino E. , Peyvandi F. , Tripodi A. , Santagostino E. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionIn the presence of high‐titre inhibitors, haemostatic bypassing agents are used to control bleeding and perform surgery. In this setting, no specific laboratory test is yet available to guide drug choice, monitor treatment efficacy and predict the risk of bleeding.AimThe aims of this study, carried out in patients candidate to orthopaedic surgery, were to assess the dose‐dependent increase in thrombin generation (TG) after infusion of bypassing agents and to evaluate whether or not a correlation existed between the haemostatic efficacy of bypassing therapies and perioperative TG values.Methods and ResultsTG was measured in 16 inhibitor patients, 10 of whom underwent 11 major orthopaedic procedures. In the non‐bleeding state, TG significantly improved 30 min after whichever dose (P < 0.01), with no dose–response relationship when values obtained after different rFVIIa doses were compared. TG significantly improved 30 min after the preoperative bolus (P < 0.05), while during the postoperative period TG values measured before and after dosing did not differ. Moreover, postoperative TG values were similar or even more impaired (P ≤ 0.05) than those measured before preoperative dosing. No difference was found by comparing procedures with and without bleeding complications and yet no bleeding occurred in spite of persistently low TG values in one‐third of procedures.ConclusionThis study fails to support a definite role for the TG assay as a reliable laboratory tool to monitor the haemostatic efficacy of bypassing therapies and as a predictor of the risk of bleeding in inhibitor patients using these agents during orthopaedic surgery.