bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B virus infection status and infertility causes in couples seeking fertility treatment—Indicator of impaired immune response?
Authors: Lao Terence T. , Mak Jennifer S. M. , Li Tin‐Chiu 
Published: January 2017

ProblemThe relationship between hepatitis B (HBV) infection in infertile couples seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and infertility causes is unknown.Methods of studyA total of 831 infertile couples attending our unit seeking IVF during January to December 2015 were recruited.ResultsHBV infection was found in 6.3% and 7.3% of female and male partners, respectively, and infection in one or both partners was associated with less primary infertility (44.2% vs 55.1%, P=.038). Infected female partners had increased tubal (69.2% vs 43.2%, P<.001) and uterine (13.7% vs 3.1%, P<.001) causes and reduced idiopathic infertility, while infected male partners were associated with increased tubal (62.3% vs 43.4%, P=.004) causes and reduced endometriosis (62.3% vs 73.9%, P=.050).ConclusionOur results suggest HBV infection in either partner was associated with tubal infertility. HBV infection in either partner probably increases the risk of pelvic infection in female partner through impaired immune response to sexually transmitted infections, with consequent tubal damage and infertility.
Allergen exposure chambers: harmonizing current concepts and projecting the needs for the future – an EAACI Position Paper
Authors: Pfaar O. , Calderon M. A. , Andrews C. P. , Angjeli E. , Bergmann K. C. , Bønløkke J. H. , de Blay F. , Devillier P. , Ellis A. K. , Gerth van Wijk R. , Hohlfeld J. M. , Horak F. , Jacobs R. L. , Jacobsen L. , Jutel M. , Kaul S. , Larché M. , Larenas‐Linnemann D. , Mösges R. , Nolte H. , Patel P. , Peoples L. , Rabin R. L. , Rather C. , Salapatek A. M. , Sigsgaard T. , Thaarup S. , Yang J. , Zieglmayer P. , Zuberbier T. , Demoly P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundAllergen exposure chambers (AECs) are clinical facilities allowing for controlled exposure of subjects to allergens in an enclosed environment. AECs have contributed towards characterizing the pathophysiology of respiratory allergic diseases and the pharmacological properties of new therapies. In addition, they are complementary to and offer some advantages over traditional multicentre field trials for evaluation of novel therapeutics. To date, AEC studies conducted have been monocentric and have followed protocols unique to each centre. Because there are technical differences among AECs, it may be necessary to define parameters to standardize the AECs so that studies may be extrapolated for driving basic immunological research and for marketing authorization purposes by regulatory authorities.MethodsFor this task force initiative of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), experts from academia and regulatory agencies met with chamber operators to list technical, clinical and regulatory unmet needs as well as the prerequisites for clinical validation.ResultsThe latter covered the validation process, standardization of challenges and outcomes, intra‐ and interchamber variability and reproducibility, in addition to comparability with field trials and specifics of paediatric trials and regulatory issues.ConclusionThis EAACI Position Paper aims to harmonize current concepts in AECs and to project unmet needs with the intent to enhance progress towards use of these facilities in determining safety and efficacy of new therapeutics in the future.
Novel approaches and perspectives in allergen immunotherapy
Authors: Hoffmann H. J. , Valovirta E. , Pfaar O. , Moingeon P. , Schmid J. M. , Skaarup S. H. , Cardell L.‐O. , Simonsen K. , Larché M. , Durham S. R. , Sørensen P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this review, we report on relevant current topics in allergen immunotherapy (AIT) which were broadly discussed during the first Aarhus Immunotherapy Symposium (Aarhus, Denmark) in December 2015 by leading clinicians, scientists and industry representatives in the field. The aim of this symposium was to highlight AIT‐related aspects of public health, clinical efficacy evaluation, mechanisms, development of new biomarkers and an overview of novel therapeutic approaches. Allergy is a public health issue of high socioeconomic relevance, and development of evidence‐based action plans to address allergy as a public health issue ought to be on national and regional agendas. The underlying mechanisms are in the focus of current research that lays the ground for innovative therapies. Standardization and harmonization of clinical endpoints in AIT trials as well as current knowledge about potential biomarkers have substantiated proof of effectiveness of this disease‐modifying therapeutic option. Novel treatments such as peptide immunotherapy, intralymphatic immunotherapy and use of recombinant allergens herald a new age in which AIT may address treatment of allergy as a public health issue by reaching a large fraction of patients.
Programmed cell death‐1 expression correlates with disease severity and IL‐5 in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Kortekaas Krohn I. , Bobic S. , Dooley J. , Lan F. , Zhang N. , Bachert C. , Steelant B. , Bullens D. M. , Liston A. , Ceuppens J. L. , Seys S. F. , Hellings P. W. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundProgrammed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) is a negative regulator of T‐cell responses. Expression of PD‐1 and its ligands PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is poorly studied.MethodsExpression of PD‐1, PD‐L1, PD‐L2, TGF‐β, IL‐5, and IL‐10 mRNA was measured by real‐time quantitative PCR on tissue homogenates of patients with CRSwNP (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 21) and on primary epithelial cells. Disease severity was scored using the Lund–Mackay scores of maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) scans. Expression of PD‐1 and PD‐L1/L2 was evaluated at the cellular and tissue levels (n = 6) by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.ResultsProgrammed cell death‐1 mRNA expression was increased in tissue homogenates from patients with CRSwNP compared with controls, irrespective of the atopy status. Importantly, expression of PD‐1 correlated with the total CT scan scores (r = 0.5, P = 0.02). Additionally, a significant association was found between PD‐1 mRNA and expression of IL‐5 mRNA in control nasal tissue (r = 0.95, P < 0.0001) and in CRSwNP (r = 0.63, P = 0.002). PD‐1 was expressed on different subsets of T cells and CD11b− dendritic cells. Both PD‐1 and its ligands were expressed on primary epithelial cells from control nasal tissue and nasal polyp tissue.ConclusionsHigher PD‐1 expression was found in CRSwNP than in nasal tissue from controls. This was associated with disease severity and tissue IL‐5 expression but unrelated to the patients' atopy status.
The influence of media, positive perception, and identification on survey‐based measures of corruption
Authors: Park Heungsik , Lee Jimoon 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis study examines the influence of some suspected sources of bias on perceptions of public sector corruption. These sources include dependence on two types of media as information sources about corruption: traditional and social media, positive perception of public employees, and social identification with public employees. Data were collected through a face‐to‐face survey of the general public in South Korea. The sample comprised 472 respondents evenly dispersed across the country. Through regression analysis, we found that dependence on traditional media—but not social media—significantly increased the perceived level of corruption. However, positive perceptions of and social identification with public employees were negatively associated with it, showing that these factors may skew respondents' perceptions of corruption. The results have implications for practitioners and researchers who design, implement, or evaluate anti‐corruption policies, suggesting the need for caution when making use of survey results.
Synthesis, QSAR studies, and metabolic stability of novel 2‐alkylthio‐4‐chloro‐N‐(5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3‐yl)benzenesulfonamide derivatives as potential anticancer and apoptosis‐inducing agents
Authors: Żołnowska Beata , Sławiński Jarosław , Pogorzelska Aneta , Szafrański Krzysztof , Kawiak Anna , Stasiłojć Grzegorz , Belka Mariusz , Zielińska Joanna , Bączek Tomasz 
Published: January 2017

A series of novel 2‐alkylthio‐4‐chloro‐N‐(5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3‐yl)benzenesulfonamide derivatives 12–46 have been synthesized by the reaction of aminoguanidines with an appropriate alpha‐oxo‐acids hydrates in glacial acetic acid. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against HeLa, HCT‐116, and MCF‐7 human tumor cell lines. Two compounds 33 and 34 displayed outstanding cytotoxic effect selectively toward HeLa cancer cells (IC50 = 19 μm) and did not exhibit toxicity to the non‐cancerous HaCaT cells. QSAR analysis determined the most important parameters controlling cytotoxic activity of 5‐oxo‐1,2,4‐triazines against HeLa cells. QSAR model showed five significant descriptors: HATS6s (GETAWAY descriptor), RDF125 m (radial distribution function), SpMax7_Bh(p) (Burden descriptor), SM3_G (3D matrix descriptor), and Hy (hydrophilic factor). The apoptotic potential of the most active compounds was thoroughly analyzed through various assays: cells’ morphology, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial potential disruption, and phosphatidylserine translocation. Selected compounds were tested for metabolic stability in the presence of pooled human liver microsomes and NADPH. Compound 34 was the most resistant for human metabolism (t1/2 = 38.5 min) and can be pointed as a hit compound for further investigations.
Memory and multitasking performance during acute allergic inflammation in seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Trikojat K. , Buske‐Kirschbaum A. , Plessow F. , Schmitt J. , Fischer R. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundIn previous research, patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) showed poorer school and work performance during periods of acute allergic inflammation, supporting the idea of an impact of SAR on cognitive functions. However, the specific cognitive domains particularly vulnerable to inflammatory processes are unclear.ObjectiveIn this study, the influence of SAR on memory and multitasking performance, as two potentially vulnerable cognitive domains essential in everyday life functioning, was investigated in patients with SAR.MethodsNon‐medicated patients with SAR (n = 41) and healthy non‐allergic controls (n = 42) performed a dual‐task paradigm and a verbal learning and memory test during and out of symptomatic allergy periods (pollen vs. non‐pollen season). Disease‐related factors (e.g. symptom severity, duration of symptoms, duration of disease) and allergy‐related quality of life were evaluated as potential influences of cognitive performance.ResultsDuring the symptomatic allergy period, patients showed (1) poorer performance in word list‐based learning (P = 0.028) and (2) a general slowing in processing speed (P < 0.001) and a shift in processing strategy (P < 0.001) in multitasking. Yet, typical parameters indicating specific multitasking costs were not affected. A significant negative association was found between learning performance and duration of disease (r = −0.451, P = 0.004), whereas symptom severity (r = 0.326; P = 0.037) and quality of life (r = 0.379; P = 0.015) were positively associated with multitasking strategy.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that SAR has a differentiated and complex impact on cognitive functions, which should be considered in the management of SAR symptoms. They also call attention to the importance of selecting sensitive measures and carefully interpreting cognitive outcomes.
Urinary haptoglobin, alpha-1 anti-chymotrypsin and retinol binding protein identified by proteomics as potential biomarkers for lupus nephritis
Authors: Aggarwal A , Gupta R , Negi V S , Rajasekhar L , Misra R , Singh P , Chaturvedi V , Sinha S 
Published: January 2017

Summary
The study was aimed at identification by proteomics and validation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of potential urinary biomarkers for lupus nephritis. Study subjects comprised 88 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and 60 controls (rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus and healthy individuals). Based on the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), patients were classified as active renal (AR), active non-renal (ANR) or inactive disease (ID). Urinary proteins from a group of patients with AR or ID were resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight–mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS/MS). The selected biomarkers were validated by ELISA using samples from all patients and controls. AR patients were followed-up for 12 months after start of therapy. Three urinary proteins, alpha-1 anti-chymotrypsin (ACT), haptoglobin (HAP) and retinol binding protein (RBP), were detected in patients with AR and not ID. Upon validation, ACT levels were higher in AR patients than the other groups (P &lt; 0·001) and showed good correlation with renal SLEDAI (r = 0·577, P &lt; 0·001) as well as SLEDAI (r = 0·461, P &lt; 0·001). Similarly, HAP levels were &gt; 10-fold higher in AR than other groups (P &lt; 0·001) and correlated well with renal SLEDAI (r = 0·594, P &lt; 0·001) and SLEDAI (r = 0·371, P &lt; 0·01). RBP levels were also higher in AR patients than in other groups (P &lt; 0·05), except diabetes, and showed moderate correlation with renal SLEDAI (r = 0·284, P &lt; 0·008) and SLEDAI (r = 0·316, P &lt; 0·003). Upon follow-up with treatment, levels of all three proteins declined at 6 and 12 months (P &lt; 0·01). Multiple logistic regression identified ACT as the best marker to differentiate AR from ANR. Urinary HAP, ACT and RBP are potential biomarkers for lupus nephritis activity.
Constitutive expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member A1 in murine endothelial cells leads to transplant tolerance
Authors: Smyth L A , Meader L , Xiao F , Woodward M , Brady H J M , Lechler R , Lombardi G 
Published: January 2017

Summary
Anti-apoptotic genes, including those of the Bcl-2 family, have been shown to have dual functionality inasmuch as they inhibit cell death but also regulate inflammation. Several anti-apoptotic molecules have been associated with endothelial cell (EC) survival following transplantation; however, their exact role has yet to be elucidated in respect to controlling inflammation. In this study we created mice expressing murine A1 (Bfl-1), a Bcl-2 family member, under the control of the human intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM-2) promoter. Constitutive expression of A1 in murine vascular ECs conferred protection from cell death induced by the proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Importantly, in a mouse model of heart allograft transplantation, expression of A1 in vascular endothelium increased survival in the absence of CD8+ T cells. Better graft outcome in mice receiving an A1 transgenic heart correlated with a reduced immune infiltration, which may be related to increased EC survival and reduced expression of adhesion molecules on ECs. In conclusion, constitutive expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule Bfl1 (A1) in murine vascular ECs leads to prolonged allograft survival due to modifying inflammation.
Detection of local inflammation induced by repeated exposure to contact allergens by use of IVIS SpectrumCT analyses
Authors: Nielsen Morten M. , Schmidt Jonas D. , Christensen Jan P. , Geisler Carsten , Johansen Jeanne D. , Bonefeld Charlotte M. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundContact allergy is characterized by local skin inflammation that, in some cases, can result in systemic immune activation.ObjectivesTo investigate whether IVIS SpectrumCT analyses can be used to detect the immune response induced by contact allergens.MethodsMice were repeatedly exposed to vehicle or allergens on the ears. The local and systemic responses were analysed at different times with the ProSense 750 FAST probe in IVIS SpectrumCT measurements. In addition, changes in ear thickness, cytokine profile in the skin and immunological phenotype in the draining lymph nodes and spleen were determined.ResultsLocal inflammation was detected by ProSense 750 FAST and correlated with changes in ear thickness, cytokine profile and immunological phenotype following exposure to the strong contact allergen 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene. Analysis of the systemic response with ProSense 750 FAST did not show any difference between allergen‐exposed and control mice, although fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis of the spleen showed increased numbers of γδ T cells and CD11b+CD11c+MHCII+ cells in allergen‐treated mice.ConclusionsIVIS SpectrumCT analyses with ProSense 750 FAST as the probe can be used to detect local immune responses induced by contact allergens.
Psychosocial function in the first year after childhood stroke
Authors: Greenham Mardee , Anderson Vicki , Hearps Stephen , Ditchfield Michael , Coleman Lee , Mackay Mark T , Monagle Paul , Gordon Anne L 
Published: January 2017

AimChildhood stroke disrupts brain development and emerging neural networks. Motor, cognitive, and language deficits are well recognized, yet little is known about psychosocial function after childhood stroke. This study aims to describe psychosocial function within the first year after childhood stroke, and to identify factors associated with outcome.MethodThirty‐seven children were involved in a prospective, longitudinal study investigating recovery over the first year after childhood stroke. Children's social functioning was assessed at 6‐months and 12‐months poststroke and psychological function at 12‐months poststroke, using standardized measures.ResultsMean social function was poorer at both 6‐months and 12‐months poststroke, compared to prestroke. Psychological problems were more common than expected, with emotional difficulties and hyperactivity–inattention most significantly affected. Poorer social function was associated with older age at onset, acute neurological impairment, and prestroke social impairment. Social and psychological problems were associated with parent mental health.InterpretationWhile not all children are affected, psychosocial impairment affects a significant minority after childhood stroke. Older age at onset, acute neurological impairment, prestroke social problems, and poorer parent mental health were associated with deficits. Identifying early predictors of poorer outcome will facilitate early intervention. Of particular importance is parent mental health, suggesting support for families may improve child outcome.
Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study–Renal (CANVAS‐R): A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Neal Bruce , Perkovic Vlado , Matthews David R. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Fulcher Greg , Meininger Gary , Erondu Ngozi , Desai Mehul , Shaw Wayne , Vercruysse Frank , Yee Jacqueline , Deng Hsiaowei , de Zeeuw Dick ,   on behalf of the CANVAS‐R Trial Collaborative Group
Published: January 2017

AimsThe primary aim of the CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study‐Renal (CANVAS‐R) is to determine whether the favourable effects of inhibition of the sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) on blood glucose, blood pressure and body weight are accompanied by protection against adverse renal outcomes.Materials and methods
CANVAS‐R is a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history or high risk of cardiovascular events. Patients were randomly assigned to once‐daily placebo or canagliflozin 100 mg (with optional uptitration to 300 mg) for a planned average of 2.5 years of follow‐up. The primary outcome is kidney disease progression, defined by class change in albuminuria. The two secondary outcomes are the composite of hospitalized heart failure or cardiovascular death, and cardiovascular death alone. Effects on end‐stage renal disease and a range of other outcomes will also be explored.ResultsA total of 5812 participants were recruited at 422 sites in 24 countries between January 2014 and May 2015. The mean baseline age was 64 years, mean duration of diabetes was 14 years, mean glycated haemoglobin level was 8.3% and mean body mass index was 32 kg/m2. Of these participants, 37% were women, 71% had a history of cardiovascular disease, 22.3% had microalbuminuria and 8.7% had macroalbuminuria. The mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was 76 mL/min/1.73 m2. The study will have at least 90% power (
P
= .05) to detect a 22% or greater reduction in the risk of progression of albuminuria.ConclusionsThe trial should define the potential renoprotective effect of canagliflozin and will provide additional important new data about its effects on vascular outcomes, death and kidney failure.
Ignoring the elephant in the room? Assessing the impact of the European Union on the Development Assistance Committee's role in international development
Authors: Verschaeve Joren , Orbie Jan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article studies the impact of the European Union (EU) on the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD). While the literature thus far has focused on the external challenges for the DAC's role in international development, this study argues that the EU should be taken into account as well. By focusing on the cases of policy coherence for development and the concessionality of official development assistance (ODA) loans, we show that the EU poses a structural challenge for the DAC's role in international development given the strong overlap in membership between both institutions and the Union's changing nature as a development actor.
Growth potential and habitat requirements of endangered age‐0 pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River, USA, determined using a individual‐based model framework
Authors: Deslauriers David , Heironimus Laura B. , Rapp Tobias , Graeb Brian D. S. , Klumb Robert A. , Chipps Steven R. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAn individual‐based model framework was used to evaluate growth potential of the federally endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River. The model, developed for age‐0 sturgeon, combines information on functional feeding response, bioenergetics and swimming ability to regulate consumption and growth within a virtual foraging arena. Empirical data on water temperature, water velocity and prey density were obtained from three sites in the Missouri River and used as inputs in the model to evaluate hypotheses concerning factors affecting pallid sturgeon growth. The model was also used to evaluate the impacts of environmental heterogeneity and water velocity on individual growth variability, foraging success and dispersal ability. Growth was simulated for a period of 100 days using 100 individuals (first feeding; 19 mm and 0.035 g) per scenario. Higher growth was shown to occur at sites where high densities of Ephemeroptera and Chironomidae larvae occurred throughout the growing season. Highly heterogeneous habitats (i.e., wide range of environmental conditions) and moderate water velocities (0.3 m/s) were also found to positively affect growth rates. The model developed here provides an important management and conservation tool for evaluating growth hypotheses and(or) identifying habitats in the Missouri River that are favourable to age‐0 pallid sturgeon growth.