bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metadherin peptides containing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes as a therapeutic vaccine candidate against cancer
Authors: Dhiman Gourav , Lohia Neha , Jain Sahil , Baranwal Manoj 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTThe concept of peptide‐based vaccines against cancer has made noteworthy progress. Metadherin (MTDH) overexpression and its role in the development of diverse cancers make it an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. In the current study, six different T cell epitope prediction tools were run to identify MTDH peptides with multiple immunogenic regions. Further, molecular docking was performed to assess HLA‐peptide binding interactions. Nine and eleven peptides fragments containing multiple CD8 + and CD4 + T‐cell epitopes, ranging from 9 to 20 amino acids, respectively, were obtained using a consensus immunoinformatics approach. The three peptides that were finally identified as having overlapping CD4 + and CD8 + T‐ cell epitopes are ARLREMLSVGLGFLRTELG, FLLGYGWAAACAGAR, YIDDEWSGLNGLSSADP. These peptides were found to not only have multiple T cell epitopes but also to have binding affinity with wide HLA molecules. A molecular docking study revealed that the predicted immunogenic peptides (with single or multiple T cell epitopes) of MTDH have comparable binding energies with naturally bound peptides for both HLA classes I and II. Thus, these peptides have the potential to induce immune responses that could be considered for developing synthetic peptide vaccines against multiple cancers.
Statistical facies classification from multiple seismic attributes: comparison between Bayesian classification and expectation–maximization method and application in petrophysical inversion
Authors: Grana Dario , Lang Xiaozheng , Wu Wenting 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTWe present here a comparison between two statistical methods for facies classifications: Bayesian classification and expectation–maximization method. The classification can be performed using multiple seismic attributes and can be extended from well logs to three‐dimensional volumes. In this work, we propose, for both methods, a sensitivity study to investigate the impact of the choice of seismic attributes used to condition the classification. In the second part, we integrate the facies classification in a Bayesian inversion setting for the estimation of continuous rock properties, such as porosity and lithological fractions, from the same set of seismic attributes. The advantage of the expectation–maximization method is that this algorithm does not require a training dataset, which is instead required in a traditional Bayesian classifier and still provides similar results. We show the application, comparison, and analysis of these methods in a real case study in the North Sea, where eight sedimentological facies have been defined. The facies classification is computed at the well location and compared with the sedimentological profile and then extended to the 3D reservoir model using up to 14 seismic attributes.
Role of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in renal function and ischaemia–reperfusion induced kidney injury
Authors: Alshaman Reem , Truong Luan , Oyekan Adebayo 
Published: August 2016

SummaryDespite the presence of many studies on the role of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in cardiorenal tissues, the definitive role of mTOR in the pathogenesis of renal injury subsequent to ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) remains unclear. The aims of the current study were to characterize the role of mTOR in normal kidney function and to investigate the role of mTOR activation in IR‐induced kidney injury. In euvolemic anaesthetized rats, treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin increased blood pressure (121 ± 2 to 144 ± 3 mmHg; P<.05), decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR; 1.6 ± 0.3 to 0.5 ± 0.2 mL/min; P<.05) and increased urinary sodium excretion (UNaV; 14 ± 1 to 109 ± 25 mmol/L per hour; P<.05). In rats subjected to IR, autophagy induction, p‐mTOR expression and serum creatinine increased (1.9 ± 0.2 to 3 ± 0.3 mg/dL; P<.05); treatment with rapamycin blunted p‐mTOR expression but further increased autophagy induction and serum creatinine (3 ± 0.3 to 5 ± 0.6 mg/dL; P<.05). In contrast, clenbuterol, an mTOR activator, blunted the effect of rapamycin on serum creatinine (4 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 0.3 mg/dL; P<.05), autophagy induction and p‐mTOR expression. IR also increased 24 hour protein excretion (9 ± 3 to 17 ± 2 mg/day; P<.05) and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) expression, and rapamycin treatment further increased KIM‐1 expression. Clenbuterol exacerbated protein excretion (13 ± 2 to 26 ± 4 mg/day; P<.05) and antagonized the effect of rapamycin on KIM‐1 expression. Histopathological data demonstrated kidney injury in IR rats that was worsened by rapamycin treatment but attenuated by clenbuterol treatment. Thus, mTOR signalling is crucial for normal kidney function and protecting the kidney against IR injury through autophagy suppression.
Use and knowledge of single dose activated charcoal: A survey of Australian doctors
Authors: Corcoran Gabriela , Chan Betty , Chiew Angela 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe use of single dose activated charcoal (SDAC) as a means of gastric decontamination is declining. The present study examined the potential use of SDAC in common overdose scenarios by Australian emergency doctors, compared with clinical toxicologists and current guidelines.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey of emergency doctors and toxicologists on the use of SDAC. The survey covered demographic data, education and previous use of SDAC and six clinical scenarios. The scenarios selected included agents not bound to SDAC, sustained‐release preparations and ingestions at varying time points. Statistical calculations were performed using Fisher's exact test.ResultsThere were 397 emergency doctors and 20 toxicologists who responded to the survey. Seventy‐one per cent (n = 280/397) of emergency doctors indicated they had received some education on decontamination. Eighty‐three per cent (n = 331/397) had administered SDAC during their medical career, 29% (n = 117/397) within the past year. There was a significant difference in responses between emergency doctors and toxicologists in two scenarios; a toxic paracetamol ingestion presenting within 1 h (P = 0.009) and verapamil ingestion in a 3 year old boy (P = 0.001). Toxicologists were more likely to administer SDAC in these scenarios, 89% (n = 16/18) and 88% (n = 15/17), respectively, compared with 52% (n = 197/381) and 43% (n = 158/371) of emergency doctors.ConclusionsOur study showed that there is a significant variation in the use of SDAC between toxicologists and emergency doctors in some scenarios. Clinical toxicologists are more likely to administer SDAC in certain overdose settings. It is essential to provide education on the benefits versus actual risks of SDAC in acute poisoning so that doctors will understand when to administer SDAC or seek further advice.
Pathophysiology of peripheral arterial disease in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Shao‐ling , Zhu Lv‐yun , Han Rui , Sun Lei‐lei , Li Jun‐xia , Dou Jing‐tao 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) increases the risk of lower extremity amputation. It is also an independent predictor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemic events, affecting both the quality and expectancy of life. Many studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of PAD in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is higher than in non‐diabetic patients. In diabetic patients, PAD occurs early with rapid progression, and is frequently asymptomatic. Multiple metabolic aberrations in DM, such as advanced glycation end‐products, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and abnormal oxidative stress, have been shown to worsen PAD. However, the role of DM in PAD is not completely understood. The purpose of the present article is to review and discuss the pathophysiology of PAD in DM.
Vegetation, fire and soil feedbacks of dynamic boundaries between rainforest, savanna and grassland
Authors: MacDermott Harry J. , Fensham Roderick J. , Hua Quan , Bowman David M. J. S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAt fine spatial scales, savanna‐rainforest‐grassland boundary dynamics are thought to be mediated by the interplay between fire, vegetation and soil feedbacks. These processes were investigated by quantifying tree species composition, the light environment, quantities and flammability of fuels, bark thickness, and soil conditions across stable and dynamic rainforest boundaries that adjoin grassland and eucalypt savanna in the highlands of the Bunya Mountains, southeast Queensland, Australia. The size class distribution of savanna and rainforest stems was indicative of the encroachment of rainforest species into savanna and grassland. Increasing dominance of rainforest trees corresponds to an increase in woody canopy cover, the dominance of litter fuels (woody debris and leaf), and decline in grass occurrence. There is marked difference in litter and grass fuel flammability and this result is largely an influence of strongly dissimilar fuel bulk densities. Relative bark thickness, a measure of stem fire resistance, was found to be generally greater in savanna species when compared to that of rainforest species, with notable exceptions being the conifers Araucaria bidwillii and Araucaria cunninghamii. A transect study of soil nutrients across one dynamic rainforest – grassland boundary indicated the mass of carbon and nitrogen, but not phosphorus, increased across the successional gradient. Soil carbon turnover time is shortest in stable rainforest, intermediate in dynamic rainforest and longest in grassland highlighting nutrient cycling differentiation. We conclude that the general absence of fire in the Bunya Mountains, due to a divergence from traditional Aboriginal burning practices, has allowed for the encroachment of fire‐sensitive rainforest species into the flammable biomes of this landscape. Rainforest invasion is likely to have reduced fire risk via changes to fuel composition and microclimatic conditions, and this feedback will be reinforced by altered nutrient cycling. The mechanics of the feedbacks here identified are discussed in terms of landscape change theory.
Fractalkine/CX3CR1 is involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis by regulating endometrial stromal cell proliferation and invasion
Authors: Hou Xin‐Xin , Zhou Wen‐Jie , Wang Xiao‐Qiu , Li Da‐Jin 
Published: August 2016

ProblemChemokines have been reported to play a sovereign role in the establishment and progression of endometriosis. Fractalkine is a chemokine that is upregulated in many inflammatory diseases including endometriosis. Fractalkine functions as a chemotactic role for lymphocytes and monocytes. In this study, we investigated the role of fractalkine/CX3CR1 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.Method of studyIn this study, immunohistochemistry was performed on normal endometrium (taken from controls), eutopic endometrium (taken from patients with endometriosis), and ectopic tissues to analyze fractalkine/CX3CR1 expression. The levels of fractalkine in peritoneal fluid and the cell culture supernatant were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) cell proliferation assay was applied to detect the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). The invasion of ESCs was measured by transwell invasion assay. The protein levels of Bcl2, MMP2, MMP9, p‐AKT/AKT, p‐p38/p38, p‐JNK/JNK, and p‐ERK/ERK were analyzed by Western blot.ResultsWe found that the eutopic endometrium had significantly higher expression of fractalkine and CX3CR1 compared to normal endometrium, and the ectopic tissues had the highest expression. The concentrations of fractalkine in peritoneal fluid of endometriosis patients were obviously higher than that of the control and correlate very well with the severity of endometriosis. Fractalkine enhanced ESCs proliferation and invasion via activating AKT and p38 signal pathways. Moreover, high concentration of estradiol (10−7, 10−6 mol L−1) induced fractalkine expression while high concentration of progesterone (10−6, 10−5 mol L−1) inhibited fractalkine expression in ESCs.ConclusionThe results revealed that the high levels of fractalkine in ectopic milieu promoted proliferation and invasion of ESCs through activating AKT and p38 signal pathways. Estradiol has a stimulating effect on the expression of fractalkine. The present results increase our understanding of the significance of fractalkine in the progression of endometriosis and shed some lights on the targeted fractalkine/CX3CR1 therapies.
The first instar larva of two species of Miltogramminae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from the Middle East – examples of peculiar morphology
Authors: Szpila Krzysztof , Pape Thomas 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe first instar larva is described for two species of Miltogramminae flesh flies representing the genera Miltogramma Meigen and Phrosinella Robineau‐Desvoidy. Using a combination of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the habitus is documented along with all important exoskeletal and cephaloskeletal structures. The described first instar larvae show substantial modifications of their morphology in comparison with the saprophagous ground plan defined for calyptrate flies. Miltogramma (Miltogrammidium) efflatouni Rohdendorf possesses the general set of derived character states shared with other species of Miltogramma and shares larval synapomorphies with species representing the subgenera Anacanthothecum Rohdendorf, Cylindrothecum Rohdendorf and Miltogrammidium Rohdendorf. Unique character states of the first instar larva of this species are the spine‐like shape of antennal complex, laterally compressed apical part of mouthhooks and an extreme elongation of the sensilla of the maxillary palpus. Phrosinella (Asiometopa) ujgura (Rohdendorf) possesses a pair of retractable, robust processes on the ventral margin of the first thoracic segment and a very strong, elongated labrum. Both character states are present in other known first instar larvae of genus Phrosinella. A reduction of cuticular ridges on dorsal and lateral surfaces of abdominal segments supports a monophylum consisting of the subgenera Asiometopa Rohdendorf and Caspiomyia Rohdendorf within genus Phrosinella.
Toxicity of Atorvastatin on Pancreas Mitochondria: A Justification for Increased Risk of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sadighara Melina , Amirsheardost Zahra , Minaiyan Mohsen , Hajhashemi Valiollah , Naserzadeh Parvaneh , Salimi Ahmad , Seydi Enayatollah , Pourahmad Jalal 
Published: August 2016

AbstractStatins (including atorvastatin) are a widely used class of drugs, and like all medications, they have a potential for adverse effects. Recently, it has been shown that statins also exert side effects on the pancreas. In vitro studies have suggested that this class of drugs induced a reduction in insulin secretion. Also, the use of statins is associated with a raised risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), but the mechanisms underlying statin‐induced diabetes are poorly known. Literature data indicate that several statins are able to induce apoptosis signalling. This study was designed to examine the mechanism of atorvastatin on mitochondria obtained from rat pancreas. In our study, mitochondria were obtained from the pancreas and then exposed to atorvastatin and vehicle to investigate probable toxic effects. The results showed that atorvastatin (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 μM) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial swelling, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release, the orchestrating factor for mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis signalling. Atorvastatin also reduced the ATP levels. These results propose that the toxicity of atorvastatin on pancreas mitochondria is a key point for drug‐induced apoptotic cell loss in the pancreas and therefore a justification for increased risk of DM.
DETERMINANTS OF SOVEREIGN BONDS RATINGS: A ROBUSTNESS ANALYSIS
Authors: Soudis Dimitrios 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTSeveral studies have attempted to deduce the determinants of sovereign bond ratings. In this study, Extreme Bounds Analysis is applied to approximately 30 factors proposed by the literature in order to assess their robustness with a focus on the relative importance that economic and political variables receive in the shaping of the ratings. We find that policies that constrain the public sector are among the most robust. Variables such as rule of law, openness to economic flows, central bank independence, and market friendly policies are found to be more robustly correlated with the ratings than foreign reserves, fiscal deficit, sovereign bond yields, and economic growth.
Influence of plasma cleaning procedure on the interaction between soft tissue and abutments: a randomized controlled histologic study
Authors: Garcia Berta , Camacho Fabio , Peñarrocha David , Tallarico Marco , Perez Sara , Canullo Luigi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionPlasma application can lead to an improved adhesion between soft tissue and abutments and promotes cell spreading.ObjectiveA triple‐blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was performed to in vivo test the effect of cleaning abutment titanium surfaces with plasma of argon on cell adhesion and collagen fiber orientation at an early healing time.Material and methodsThirty healthy patients with 30 submerged implants, at the second surgery, randomly received either a specially designed abutment with no additional treatment (as they come from industry; control group, G1) or cleaned by plasma of argon (test group, G2). Two weeks thereafter, a small biopsy including abutment and soft tissues around the abutment was performed. Abutments were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to assess cell adhesion to the abutment surface. Outcome measures were the following: percentage of area occupied by cells, the presence or absence of cells, aspect of adhered cells, and the presence of contaminants. At the same time, the soft tissue histological analysis evaluated density and orientation of collagen fibers. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test and Levene variance homogeneity test. Data were analyzed using a nonparametric ranking test. The associations between the different qualitative variables were studied using Pearson's chi‐squared test. The Mann–Whitney U‐test (for two independent samples) was applied for quantitative variables.ResultsMean percentages of area occupied by cells were 15.14% (range 2.91–44.27) and 33.75% (range 2.37–68.4) for G1 and G2, respectively. Differences were close to significance (P = 0.089). The proportion of samples presenting adhered cells was homogeneous between the two groups (P = 0.142). In all cases, cells presented a flattened aspect, but not in three cases in the G2; in 17 cases, cells were efficiently adhered, and in 11 cases, cells presented filopodia with no statistical differences between groups (P > 0.05). No case from G2 showed contamination with cocobacteria with statistical differences between groups (P = 0.006). Collagen fiber density was higher in the basal, medial, and coronal area of G2 compared to G1 with a statistical difference in the internal area (P < 0.05). The orientation of the fibers varied according to the coordinate area with oblique fibers predominant in G2 than in G1.ConclusionPlasma of argon may promote cell adhesion and positively influence collagen fiber orientation. A greater sample is necessary to confirm these preliminary results.
The dorsal pancreatic artery in pancreas procurement and transplantation: anatomical considerations and potential implications
Authors: Baranski André G. , Lam Hwai‐Ding , Braat Andries E. , Schaapherder Alexander F. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimOrgan procurement errors account for almost 20% of discarded pancreatic allografts. For this reason, the anatomical significance of the dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) was reviewed.MethodsA strategy on dealing with an often overlooked DPA is evaluated.ResultsThe DPA provides together with the splenic artery the main blood supply to the pancreatic tail. Three different arterial variations have been described. In the rare instances when the DPA arises from the common hepatic artery or the celiac trunk, instead of the splenic origin, the DPA can easily be overlooked by surgeons not familiar with this artery. This may result in an unintentional damage to the pancreatic tail blood supply. If unrecognized during the back‐table inspection, it could potentially jeopardize the pancreatic graft after reperfusion. When a cut DPA is encountered during inspection, efforts should be attempted to revascularize the graft, especially if there is no backflow from the splenic artery as sign of absent collateral circulation.ConclusionThe DPA may play a more prominent role in the vascularization of pancreas transplants than currently assumed. Better understanding of the vascular anatomy may lead to improved results in pancreas transplantation.
In situandex situdiversity analysis of priority crop wild relatives in Norway
Authors: Phillips Jade , Asdal Åsmund , Magos Brehm Joana , Rasmussen Morten , Maxted Nigel 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimTo contribute directly to Norway's national and international commitments to systematic, long‐term conservation of crop wild relatives (CWR) by ensuring both thein situandex situprotection and availability of a broad range of CWR genetic diversity within the country.LocationNorway.MethodsWe created a priority list of CWR within Norway based upon four main criteria including economic value from national to global level of associated crops and inclusion in Annex 1 of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). Species presence data were gathered from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and used for predictive species distribution modelling in MaxEnt.capfitogensoftware was utilized to create an ecogeographic land characterization (ELC) map and to identify complementaryin situgenetic reserves andex situcollecting priorities which target the full range of ecogeographic diversity of taxa.ResultsAn inventory of 204 priority CWR within Norway was compiled. A grid cell complementary network of 19in situareas (~10 km2) conserved 201 priority CWR, and a separate analysis identified a protected area complementary network of 23 reserves that conserved 181 priority taxa. Forex situconservation, 177 taxa did not haveex situaccessions and of the 24 with accessions, 15 had the minimum of five populations conserved throughout their ecogeographic range.Main conclusionsWe present the first comprehensive national recommendations forin situandex situconservation of 204 priority CWR in Norway. Proposals target the conservation of the ecogeographic diversity of the priority CWR and hence their genetic diversity. Both the priority taxa and the methodology used are applicable at regional and global scales with the recommendations not only helping Norway to meet its international obligations for conservation of genetic diversity of CWR but also ensuring this genetic diversity is available for use in tackling global food security.