bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of MHC Class I and β‐2‐Microglobulin Expression in Pediatric Solid Malignancies to Guide Selection of Immune‐Based Therapeutic Trials
Authors: Haworth Kellie B. , Arnold Michael A. , Pierson Christopher R. , Leddon Jennifer L. , Kurmashev Dias K. , Swain Hayley M. , Hutzen Brian J. , Roberts Ryan D. , Cripe Timothy P. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundOver 10,000 US children are diagnosed with cancer yearly. Though outcomes have improved by optimizing conventional therapies, recent immunotherapeutic successes in adult cancers are emerging. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are the primary executioners of adaptive antitumor immunity and require antigenic presentation in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and the associated β‐2‐microglobulin (B2M). Loss of MHC I expression is a common immune escape mechanism in adult malignancies, but pediatric cancers have not been thoroughly characterized. The essential nature of MHC I expression in CTL‐mediated cell death may dictate the success of immunotherapies, which rely on eliciting an adaptive response.ProcedureWe queried pediatric tumor microarray databases for MHC I and B2M gene expression. We detected MHC I in pediatric tumor cell lines by flow cytometry and characterized MHC I and B2M expression in patient samples by immunohistochemistry. To determine whether therapeutic approaches might enhance MHC I expression in selected models in vitro, we tested effects of exposure to IFN‐γ and histone deacetylase inhibitors.ResultsPediatric tumors overall, as well as samples within select individual tumor subtypes, exhibit wide ranges of MHC I and B2M gene and protein expression. For most cell lines tested, MHC I was inducible in vitro.ConclusionsMHC I and B2M expression vary among pediatric tumor types and should be evaluated as potential biomarkers, which might identify patients most likely to benefit from MHC I dependent immunotherapies. Modulation of MHC I expression may be a promising mechanism for enhancing MHC I dependent immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Prospective influenza vaccine safety surveillance using fresh data in the Sentinel System
Authors: Yih Weiling Katherine , Kulldorff Martin , Sandhu Sukhminder K. , Zichittella Lauren , Maro Judith C. , Cole David V. , Jin Robert , Kawai Alison Tse , Baker Meghan A. , Liu Chunfu , McMahill‐Walraven Cheryl N. , Selvan Mano S. , Platt Richard , Nguyen Michael D. , Lee Grace M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeTo develop the infrastructure to conduct timely active surveillance for safety of influenza vaccines and other medical countermeasures in the Sentinel System (formerly the Mini‐Sentinel Pilot), a Food and Drug Administration‐sponsored national surveillance system that typically relies on data that are mature, settled, and updated quarterly.MethodsThree Data Partners provided their earliest available (“fresh”) cumulative claims data on influenza vaccination and health outcomes 3–4 times on a staggered basis during the 2013–2014 influenza season, collectively producing 10 data updates. We monitored anaphylaxis in the entire population using a cohort design and seizures in children ≤4 years of age using both a self‐controlled risk interval design (primary) and a cohort design (secondary). After each data update, we conducted sequential analysis for inactivated (IIV) and live (LAIV) influenza vaccines using the Maximized Sequential Probability Ratio Test, adjusting for data‐lag.ResultsMost of the 10 sequential analyses were conducted within 6 weeks of the last care‐date in the cumulative dataset. A total of 6 682 336 doses of IIV and 782 125 doses of LAIV were captured. The primary analyses did not identify any statistical signals following IIV or LAIV. In secondary analysis, the risk of seizures was higher following concomitant IIV and PCV13 than historically after IIV in 6‐ to 23‐month‐olds (relative risk = 2.7), which requires further investigation.ConclusionsThe Sentinel System can implement a sequential analysis system that uses fresh data for medical product safety surveillance. Active surveillance using sequential analysis of fresh data holds promise for detecting clinically significant health risks early. Limitations of employing fresh data for surveillance include cost and the need for careful scrutiny of signals. © 2015 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Preparation and evaluation of alginate/chitosan microspheres containing pheromones for pest control of Megaplatypus mutatus Chapuis (Platypodinae: Platypodidae)
Authors: Valladares Gabriela A , González Audino Paola , Strumia Miriam C 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis work describes the optimization of an alginate/chitosan microsphere preparation for the encapsulation of a sexual pheromone, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐ol (sulcatol), to realize a slow‐release device for the biological control of the Megaplatypus mutatus pest. To evaluate and select the best encapsulation/release conditions three parameters were studied: alginate concentration, pH of gelling solution and Ca2+/COO− ratio. The preparation was optimized using biopolymers with improved mechanical properties and swelling behavior. The obtained microspheres were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron and optical microscopies, swelling degree, mechanical properties and in vitro release of encapsulated pheromone. The microspheres performed best when they were synthesized using an alginate concentration of 4% w/v, at pH = 9 and with a Ca2+/COO− ratio of 3.5. The attractiveness of the alginate/chitosan microspheres towards M. mutatus was demonstrated by behavioral bioassay with the completed pheromonal blend of the species (sulcatol, sulcatone and 3‐pentanol). The formulation can be considered as an efficient slow‐release biological control system, with no negative environmental impact. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of the effect of a novel therapeutic for type 2 diabetes on the proteome of a muscle cell line
Authors: Young Pamela A. , Leonard Siobhán , Martin Darren S. D. , Findlay John B. C. 
Published: November 2015

Elevated serum retinol‐binding protein (RBP) concentration has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Two series of small molecules have been designed to lower serum levels by reducing secretion of the transthyretin–RBP complex from the liver and enhancing RBP clearance through the kidney. These small molecules were seen to improve glucose and insulin tolerance tests and to reduce body weight gain in mice rendered diabetic through a high fat diet. A proteomics study was conducted to better understand the effects of these compounds in muscle cells, muscle being the primary site for energy expenditure. One lead compound, RTC‐15, is seen to have a significant effect on proteins involved in fat and glucose metabolism. This could indicate that the compound is having a direct effect on muscle tissue to improve energy homeostasis as well as a whole body effect on circulating RBP levels. This newly characterized group of antidiabetic compounds may prove useful in the treatment and prevention of insulin resistance and obesity.
Late Quaternary Permafrost Distributions Downscaled for South America: Examinations of GCM‐based Maps with Observations
Authors: Saito Kazuyuki , Trombotto Liaudat Darío , Yoshikawa Kenji , Mori Junko , Sone Toshio , Marchenko Sergey , Romanovsky Vladimir , Walsh John , Hendricks Amy , Bottegal Estefanía 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHigh‐resolution maps of potential frozen ground distribution in South America have been produced for the present day (0 ka) and the Last Glacial Maximum (21 ka). Surface air temperature outputs from global climate models (GCMs) of the recent Paleoclimate Model Intercomparison Project were used for the reconstructions, and then downscaled from regional to local scales, with the help of a 1 arc‐minute digital elevation model. Their validity was examined using fieldwork‐based evidence and knowledge. The downscaled map for the present day successfully reproduces the presence of permafrost in the Andes, a task at which original coarse‐resolution GCM output maps failed. The map also shows close correspondence with instrumental observations. Similarly, the downscaled distribution of 21 ka frozen ground shows overall consistency with geomorphological and/or palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. Areal coverage of potential permafrost for all of South America is estimated at 139 000 km2 for today and 435 000 km2 for 21 ka, mostly along the Andean mountain ranges. Regional inspections, however, show divergence from field‐observed features, attributed to microclimatic effects and past permafrost conditions. For southern Patagonia, and especially the eastern lowlands, the diagnosed lower limit for permafrost is about 1000 m asl, whereas field evidence at lower altitudes indicates the presence of either permafrost or deep seasonal frost. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategies to reduce end‐product inhibition in family 48 glycoside hydrolases
Authors: Chen Mo , Bu Lintao , Alahuhta Markus , Brunecky Roman , Xu Qi , Lunin Vladimir V. , Brady John W. , Crowley Michael F. , Himmel Michael E. , Bomble Yannick J. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTFamily 48 cellobiohydrolases are some of the most abundant glycoside hydrolases in nature. They are able to degrade cellulosic biomass and therefore serve as good enzyme candidates for biofuel production. Family 48 cellulases hydrolyze cellulose chains via a processive mechanism, and produce end products composed primarily of cellobiose as well as other cellooligomers (dp ≤ 4). The challenge of utilizing cellulases in biofuel production lies in their extremely slow turnover rate. A factor contributing to the low enzyme activity is suggested to be product binding to enzyme and the resulting performance inhibition. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the product inhibitory effect of four family 48 glycoside hydrolases using molecular dynamics simulations and product expulsion free‐energy calculations. We also suggested a series of single mutants of the four family 48 glycoside hydrolases with theoretically reduced level of product inhibition. The theoretical calculations provide a guide for future experimental studies designed to produce mutant cellulases with enhanced activity. Proteins 2016; 84:295–304. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Revision of the genus Anasibirites Mojsisovics (Ammonoidea): an iconic and cosmopolitan taxon of the late Smithian (Early Triassic) extinction
Authors: Jattiot Romain , Bucher Hugo , Brayard Arnaud , Monnet Claude , Jenks James F. , Hautmann Michael 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe family Prionitidae Hyatt represents a major component of ammonoid faunas during the Smithian (Early Triassic), and the genus Anasibirites Mojsisovics is the most emblematic taxon of this family. Its stratigraphical range is restricted to the beginning of the late Smithian (Wasatchites distractus Zone). The genus is also characterized by an unusual cosmopolitan distribution, thus contrasting with most earlier Smithian ammonoid distributions that were typically restricted by latitude. Because the late Smithian witnessed an extinction of the nekton (e.g. ammonoids, conodonts) whose amplitude is equal to or larger than that of the end‐Permian crisis, the number of valid species that should be included in the genus Anasibirites becomes a highly relevant question when addressing this extinction at the highest possible taxonomic resolution. Based on a new extensive collection from Timor, the composition of the genus Anasibirites is herein revised with respect to its intraspecific and ontogenetic variations. Comprehensive morphological and biometric studies (c. 950 measured specimens) indicate that, of the c. 60 available species names, only two are valid, namely A. kingianus (Waagen) and A. multiformis Welter. Continuous ranges of intraspecific variation enable us to synonymize A. nevolini Zakharov, and A. angulosus (Waagen) with A. kingianus. The contribution of Anasibirites to species diversity during the late Smithian extinction is thus significantly less than previously estimated, therefore accentuating the severity of this event.
Ecosystem impacts of Alpine water intakes for hydropower: the challenge of sediment management
Authors: Gabbud Chrystelle , Lane Stuart N. 
Published: November 2015

The natural flow hydrological characteristics (such as the magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change of discharge) of Alpine streams, dominated by snowmelt and glacier melt, have been established for many years. More recently, the ecosystems that they sustain have been described and explained. However, natural Alpine flow regimes may be strongly modified by hydroelectric power production, which impacts upon both river discharge and sediment transfer, and hence on downstream flora and fauna. The impacts of barrages or dams have been well studied. However, there is a second type of flow regulation, associated with flow abstraction at intakes where the water is transferred laterally, either to another valley for storage, or at altitude within the same valley for eventual release downstream. Like barrages, such intakes also trap sediment, but because they are much smaller, they fill more frequently and so need to be flushed regularly. Downstream, while the flow regime is substantially modified, the delivery of sediment (notably coarser fractions) remains. The ecosystem impacts of such systems have been rarely considered. Through reviewing the state of our knowledge of Alpine ecosystems, we outline the key research questions that will need to be addressed in order to modify intake management so as to reduce downstream ecological impacts. Simply redesigning river flows to address sediment management will be ineffective because such redesign cannot restore a natural sediment regime and other approaches are likely to be required if stream ecology in such systems is to be improved.WIREs Water2016, 3:41–61. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1124This article is categorized under:Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Linear regression with interval‐valued data
Authors: Sun Yan 
Published: November 2015

Interval‐valued data refers to collection of observations in the form of intervals, rather than single numbers. It originally arose from situations of imprecision due to factors such as measurement or computation errors, where intervals are used to represent the true data points that are inside the intervals but not exactly known. Other circumstances include grouping and censoring. Recently, with the trend of big data, there is an increasing popularity of interval‐valued data resulting from data aggregation. In the past decades, a great deal of effort has been seen in the literature to investigate linear regression with interval‐value data. Various models that provide predictive tools and statistical inferences have been proposed and studied. The framework thus established is also well suited for both theoretical and computational advancements in the future. WIREs Comput Stat 2016, 8:54–60. doi: 10.1002/wics.1373This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models
Algorithms and Computational Methods > Least Squares
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and NLO Property of the Chiral Sulfide Sm4InSbS9
Authors: Zhao Hua‐Jun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe chiral sulfide Sm4InSbS9 was prepared from a stoichiometric mixture of the elements at 1223 K in an evacuated silica tube. It crystallizes in the chiral tetragonal space group P43212 with a = 10.0042(4) Å, c = 27.6810(15) Å, V = 2770.4(2) Å3, and Z = 8. The structure features infinite helical chains of [In2Sb2S1110–]∞ propagating along the c direction that are separated by Sm3+ cations and S2– anions. It shows the second harmonic generation with an intensity of 0.75 times that of benchmark AgGaS2 at 2.05 µm laser in type I phase matchable behavior. UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy study shows its optical gap of around 2.13 eV.
The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap: A Versatile Local Method for Repair of External Penetrating Injuries of Hypopharyngeal–Cervical Esophageal Funnel
Authors: Ellabban Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionA primary repair of external penetrating injury to hypopharyngeal–cervical esophageal (HP–CE) funnel without reinforcement has more complications if compared with muscle reinforcement. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome of using sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle flap for reinforcement of primary repair of HP–CE funnel injury. The study proposed an algorithm for different uses of SCM flap repair according to site and size of funnel perforation.Patients and methodsA prospective analysis of 12 patients, who had surgical treatment for external penetrating injuries of HP–CE funnel between January 2011 and September 2014, was recorded. The following factors were studied for each case: demographic data, Revised Trauma Score (RTS), mechanism of injury, time interval between injury and definitive surgical care, injury morphology, any associated injuries, technique of SCM flap used, length of hospital stay, and surgical outcome and complications.ResultsThey were 10 males and 2 females and the mean age was 31.9 years. The cause of injury was stab wound in 5 (41.7 %) cases, gunshot injury in 4 (33.3 %) cases and 3 (25 %) cases after anterior cervical spine surgery. Isolated injury to HP and CE was recorded in 5 cases (41.7 %) for each site. However, 2 (16.7 %) cases had injury to both HP and CE. Cranially based SCM flap was mainly used in cases with HP injury and caudally based flap in CE cases with some limitations. The whole muscle flap was used in large (≥1 cm) defects while and the split muscle flap in small (<1 cm) defects. Oral intake started 7 days postoperatively with only one (8.3 %) case of small leakage, which was treated conservatively.ConclusionThe SCM flap is a very useful and versatile tool in reinforcement of HP–CE funnel injury with the advantages of high success rates of leakage prevention.
The Preservation of Cued Recall in the Acute Mentally Fatigued State: A Randomised Crossover Study
Authors: Flindall Ian Richard , Leff Daniel Richard , Pucks Neysan , Sugden Colin , Darzi Ara 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this study is to investigate the impact of acute mental fatigue on the recall of clinical information in the non‐sleep‐deprived state. Acute mental fatigue in the non‐sleep‐deprived subject is rarely studied in the medical workforce. Patient handover has been highlighted as an area of high risk especially in fatigued subjects. This study evaluates the deterioration in recall of clinical information over 2 h with cognitively demanding work in non‐sleep‐deprived subjects.MethodA randomised crossover study involving twenty medical students assessed free (presentation) and cued (MCQ) recall of clinical case histories at 0 and 2 h under low and high cognitive load using the N‐Back task. Acute mental fatigue was assessed through the Visual Analogue Scale, Stanford Scale and NASA‐TLX Mental Workload Rating Scale.ResultsFree recall is significantly impaired by increased cognitive load (p < 0.05) with subjects demonstrating perceived mental fatigue during the high cognitive load assessment. There was no significant difference in the amount of information retrieved by cued recall under high and low cognitive load conditions (p = 1).DiscussionThis study demonstrates the loss of clinical information over a short time period involving a mentally fatiguing, high cognitive load task. Free recall for the handover of clinical information is unreliable. Memory cues maintain recall of clinical information. This study provides evidence towards the requirement for standardisation of a structured patient handover. The use of memory cues (involving recognition memory and cued recall methodology) would be beneficial in a handover checklist to aid recall of clinical information and supports evidence for their adoption into clinical practice.
Effect of Glyceryl Trinitrate Ointment on Pain Control After Hemorrhoidectomy: A Meta‐analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Jen‐Wei , Lin Chao‐Chun , Kiu Kee‐Thai , Wang Chun‐Yu , Tam Ka‐Wai 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundHemorrhoidectomy is associated with postoperative pain and prolonged wound healing. Glyceryl trinitrate has been shown to decrease muscle spasm and increase anodermal blood flow. A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of topical glyceryl trinitrate application in pain relief after hemorrhoidectomy.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov registries were searched for studies published before August 2015. Individual effect sizes were standardized, and a meta‐analysis was conducted to calculate a pooled effect size using random effects models. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after operation. Secondary outcomes included time taken to resume routine activities, wound healing at 3 weeks after operation, complication, and headache incidence.ResultsA total of 12 trials with 1095 patients were reviewed. Significant pain reduction was observed on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after hemorrhoidectomy in the glyceryl trinitrate groups. Glyceryl trinitrate‐treated patients appeared to resume routine activities earlier than those in the control group (weight mean difference −7.52; 95 % confidence interval: 16.13–1.08). The wound healing rates 3 weeks after operation were significant higher in the glyceryl trinitrate‐treated groups than in the control group (risk ratio 1.79; 95 % confidence interval: 1.38–2.33). However, the incidence of headache significantly increased in the glyceryl trinitrate group (risk ratio 3.68; 95 % confidence interval: 1.62–8.34).ConclusionTopical application of glyceryl trinitrate effectively relieves pain and promotes wound healing after hemorrhoidectomy; however, the substantial headache incidence may limit extensive application.
The Role of Magnesium in Post‐thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia
Authors: Cherian Anish Jacob , Gowri Mahasampath , Ramakant Pooja , Paul Thomas V. , Abraham Deepak Thomas , Paul Mazhuvanchary Jacob 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy and evaluate the relationship of hypomagnesemia with transient and severe hypocalcemia.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective observational study of 50 patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Blood samples were collected pre‐ and postoperatively for calcium, albumin, magnesium, phosphorous and parathormone (PTH). Signs, symptoms of hypocalcemia and volume of intravenous fluids used perioperatively were documented. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA I/C 10.1.ResultsPreoperatively, twelve patients (24 %) had hypomagnesemia and one (2 %) hypocalcemia. On the first postoperative day, hypomagnesemia was seen in 70 % and hypocalcemia in 30 %. A similar trend was observed in the fall and rise of postoperative calcium and magnesium values (p = 0.41). Severe hypocalcemia was present in three patients (6 %). All three patients had a very low postoperative PTH (<2 pg/ml). Among them, two patients (66 %) had hypomagnesemia and their hypocalcemia responded to intravenous magnesium correction. Significant risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia include a higher volume of fluid used perioperatively and low postoperative PTH (<8 pg/ml) (p = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively).ConclusionPreoperative hypomagnesemia (24 %) was prevalent in this cohort of patients. Postoperative hypomagnesemia is a common event (70 %) following total thyroidectomy, and magnesium levels tend to mimic the calcium levels postoperatively. The cause of hypocalcemia post‐thyroidectomy in this study is mainly a factor of parathyroid function and fluid status. Severe hypocalcemia is a rare event, and hypomagnesemia is associated in the majority of these patients. The role of magnesium correction to alleviate severe hypocalcemia needs to be further studied.