bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flap endonuclease‐1 rs174538 G>A polymorphisms are associated with the risk of esophageal cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Sang Yonghua , Bo Lin , Gu Haiyong , Yang Wengtao , Chen Yongbing 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundEsophageal cancer has a high mortality rate, particularly in Asia, and there are obvious racial differences in regard to incidence. The purpose of our study was to assess the genetic susceptibility of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in flap endonuclease‐1 (FEN1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ESCC.MethodsClinical blood samples of 629 ESCC cases and 686 control samples were collected. The ligation detection reaction method was used to determine FEN
1 rs174538 G>A genotypes.ResultsA significantly decreased risk of ESCC was associated with FEN1 rs174538 GA genotypes among patients under 63 years old.ConclusionsOur results suggest that functional polymorphism FEN1 rs174538 G>A might affect personal susceptibility to ESCC. This result provides a solid theoretical foundation for further clinical study using larger sample sizes.
Evaluating helicopter emergency medical missions: a reliability study of the HEMS benefit and NACA scores
Authors: Raatiniemi L. , Liisanantti J. , Tommila M. , Moilanen S. , Ohtonen P. , Martikainen M. , Voipio V. , Reitala J. , Iirola T. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThe benefits of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and dispatch accuracy are continuously debated, and a widely accepted score to measure the benefits of the mission is lacking. The HEMS Benefit Score (HBS) has been used in Finnish helicopter emergency medical services, but studies are lacking. The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) score is widely used to measure the severity of illness or injury in the pre‐hospital setting, but it has many critics due to its subjectivity. We investigated the inter‐rater and rater‐against‐reference reliability of these scores.MethodsTwenty‐five fictional HEMS missions were created by an expert panel. A total of 22 pre‐hospital physicians were recruited to participate in the study from two different HEMS bases. The participants received written instructions on the use of the scores. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and mean differences between rater‐against‐reference values were calculated.ResultsA total of 17 physicians participated in the study. The ICC was 0.70 (95% CI 0.57–0.83) for the HBS and 0.65 (95% CI 0.51–0.79) for the NACA score. Mean differences between references and raters were −0.09 (SD 0.72) for the HBS and 0.28 (SD 0.61) for the NACA score, indicating that raters scored some lower NACA values than reference values formed by an expert panel.ConclusionThe HBS and NACA score had substantial inter‐rater reliability. In addition, the rater‐against‐reference values were acceptable, though large differences were observed between individual raters and references in some clinical cases.
Co‐creating a Peer Education program to improve skin health in older people from diverse communities: An innovation in health promotion
Authors: Ogrin Rajna , Brasher Kathleen , Occleston Jessica , Byrne Jennifer 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveChronic wounds, debilitating and costly to manage, are more common in older people. Prevention is possible through improving skin health. We developed, implemented and evaluated an innovative health promotion program to improve skin health of older adults.MethodsA one‐hour, peer education program was co‐created and delivered to culturally diverse community‐dwelling older people. A mixed‐methods evaluation approach comprised objective measures of skin health and barrier function at commencement and six weeks posteducation, and focus groups posteducation.ResultsSeventy‐three participants participated in the study (mean age 74.38 ± 11.80 years). Hydration significantly improved at follow‐up for English speaking participants (t(27) = −2.90, P = 0.007). The majority of participants reported the education to be informative and useful in supporting behaviour changes.ConclusionThe peer education program improved skin hydration in older English speaking individuals. Peer education may effectively deliver health promotion information in some groups.
Exploratory study of Australian aged care staff knowledge and attitudes of later life sexuality
Authors: Chen Yung‐Hui , Jones Cindy , Osborne Debora 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo explore aged care staff knowledge and attitudes towards later life sexuality and attitudes about intimacy in people with dementia.MethodsFifty‐two care staff working in two aged care facilities with secure dementia care units were recruited. Knowledge and attitudes on later life sexuality and attitudes towards later life sexuality in people with dementia were surveyed using the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale and the selected eight items of the Staff Attitudes about Intimacy and Dementia, respectively.ResultsThe results indicated that aged care staff knowledge of later life sexuality is inadequate, but attitudes towards later life sexuality and about intimacy and dementia were relatively permissive.ConclusionImproving aged care staff knowledge of later life sexuality is needed. Continuing education and training should provide to support the expression of later life sexuality including those with dementia.
Occupational respiratory allergy in peach crop workers
Authors: Pérez‐Calderón R. , Gonzalo‐Garijo M. Á. , Rodríguez‐Velasco F. J. , Sánchez‐Vega S. , Bartolomé‐Zavala B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundOccupational respiratory diseases in workers of peach tree crops have been reported punctually and have been associated with sensitization to proteins present in both pollen and leaf tree. We report the study of 37 workers with respiratory symptoms related to occupational exposure to peach trees.MethodsPrick tests and specific IgE determinations were performed with extracts from leaves and branches of peach tree. Immunodetection in leaf extract was realized by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis SDS‐PAGE‐immunoblotting with patient sera and rabbit serum anti‐Pru p 3. Immunodetection inhibition was performed with rPru p 3 and pollen profilins. The clinical relevance of sensitization was demonstrated by specific bronchial challenge test (SBCT) with peach leaf extract.ResultsMost patients suffered symptoms when peach trees had leaves, specifically during thinning and harvesting fruit (rhinoconjunctivitis: 100% and asthma: 67.5%). Sensitization to leaf extract was demonstrated in 86% of patients. IgE‐immunoblotting with peach leaf extract revealed in six patient sera a pair of bands of 10 and 16 kDa, and in nine a 16‐kDa band. Those bands could be two isoforms of peach leaf lipid transfer proteins( LTP), so the recognition frequency of some LTP isoform by our patient sera was 42%. 33% of the sera recognized a doubled band of about 14.5 kDa and this recognition was inhibited by nPho d 2. The SBCT with peach leaf extract was positive in the asthmatic sensitized patients tested.ConclusionsSensitization to peach leaves was the cause of occupational respiratory symptoms in our patients. Some patient sera revealed IgE‐binding proteins matching LTP and/or profilin.
Histopathological tumour viability after neoadjuvant chemotherapy influences survival in resected pancreatic cancer: analysis of early outcome data
Authors: Townend Phil , de Reuver Phil R. , Chua Terence C. , Mittal Anubhav , Clark Stephen J. , Pavlakis Nick , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder S. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundNeoadjuvant therapy is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy prior to pancreatoduodenectomy. We investigate the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery and the predictive role of viable residual tumour cells histopathologically on outcomes.MethodsThe study population comprised of 195 consecutive patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who were treated with either NAC or a surgery‐first (SF) strategy. Histopathological viable tumour cells were examined in the NAC patients and clinicopathological factors were correlated with overall survival.ResultsForty‐two patients (22%) were treated with NAC and 153 patients (78%) underwent SF. NAC was associated with higher estimated blood loss during surgery (928 mL versus 615 mL; P = 0.004), fewer (<15) excised lymph nodes (37% versus 17%; P = 0.015) and lower rates of lymphovascular invasion (65% versus 45%; P = 0.044) when compared with SF. Two‐year survival of patients undergoing NAC was 63% and 51% in patients undergoing SF (P = 0.048). The 2‐year survival of patients who had >65% residual tumour cells was 45% and 90% in patients who had <65% residual tumour cells (P = 0.022). Favourable responders (<65% viable tumour cells) were observed to have shorter operation time (<420 min) (55% versus 13%; P = 0.038), trend towards negative lymph node status (38% versus 10%; P = 0.067) and greater lymph node harvest in node positive patients (≥4 positive lymph nodes) (77% versus 37%; P = 0.045).ConclusionThe improved survival of patients undergoing NAC indicates effective management of micrometastatic disease and is an effective option requiring further investigation. Histopathological viable tumour cells after NAC was a surrogate marker for survival.
SERPINC1 gene mutations in antithrombin deficiency
Authors: Mulder René , Croles F. Nanne , Mulder André B. , Huntington James A. , Meijer Karina , Lukens Michaël V. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractExisting evidence suggests that in most cases antithrombin deficiency can be explained by mutations in its gene, SERPINC1. We investigated the molecular background of antithrombin deficiency in a single centre family cohort study. We included a total of 21 families comprising 15 original probands and sixty‐six relatives, 6 of who were surrogate probands for the genetic analysis. Antithrombin activity and antigen levels were measured. The heparin‐antithrombin binding ratio assay was used to distinguish between the different subtypes of type II antithrombin deficiency. SERPINC1 mutations were detected by direct sequencing of all 7 exons and regulatory regions, and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. Eighty‐six per cent of the families had a detrimental SERPINC1 gene mutation that segregated in the family. We detected 13 different SERPINC1 gene mutations of which 5 were novel. Among all these mutations, 44% was associated with type I deficiency, whereas the remainder was associated with type II heparin binding site (11%), type II pleiotropic effect (33%), type II reactive site (6%) or had the antithrombin Cambridge II mutation (6%). The current study reports several novel SERPINC1 mutations, thereby adding to our knowledge of the molecular background of antithrombin deficiency. Finally, our results point out the importance of future research outside the conventional SERPINC1 gene approach.
Future of robotic surgery in urology
Authors: Rassweiler Jens J. , Autorino Riccardo , Klein Jan , Mottrie Alex , Goezen Ali Serdar , Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe , Rha Koon H. , Schurr Marc , Kaouk Jihad , Patel Vipul , Dasgupta Prokar , Liatsikos Evangelos 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of the field of robotic systems for urological surgery and discuss future perspectives.Materials and MethodsA non‐systematic literature review was performed using PubMed/Medline search electronic engines. Existing patents for robotic devices were researched using the Google search engine. Findings were also critically analysed taking into account the personal experience of the authors.ResultsThe relevant patents for the first generation of the da Vinci platform will expire in 2019. New robotic systems are coming onto the stage. These can be classified according to type of console, arrangement of robotic arms, handles and instruments, and other specific features (haptic feedback, eye‐tracking). The Telelap ALF‐X robot uses an open console with eye‐tracking, laparoscopy‐like handles with haptic feedback, and arms mounted on separate carts; first clinical trials with this system were reported in 2016. The Medtronic robot provides an open console using three‐dimensional high‐definition video technology and three arms. The Avatera robot features a closed console with microscope‐like oculars, four arms arranged on one cart, and 5‐mm instruments with six degrees of freedom. The REVO‐I consists of an open console and a four‐arm arrangement on one cart; the first experiments with this system were published in 2016. Medicaroid uses a semi‐open console and three robot arms attached to the operating table. Clinical trials of the SP 1098‐platform using the da Vinci Xi for console‐based single‐port surgery were reported in 2015. The SPORT robot has been tested in animal experiments for single‐port surgery. The SurgiBot represents a bedside solution for single‐port surgery providing flexible tube‐guided instruments. The Avicenna Roboflex has been developed for robotic flexible ureteroscopy, with promising early clinical results.ConclusionsSeveral console‐based robots for laparoscopic multi‐ and single‐port surgery are expected to come to market within the next 5 years. Future developments in the field of robotic surgery are likely to focus on the specific features of robotic arms, instruments, console, and video technology. The high technical standards of four da Vinci generations have set a high bar for upcoming devices. Ultimately, the implementation of these upcoming systems will depend on their clinical applicability and costs. How these technical developments will facilitate surgery and whether their use will translate into better outcomes for our patients remains to be determined.
Starch contamination landscapes in field archaeology: Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
Authors: Mercader Julio , Abtosway Matthew , Baquedano Enrique , Bird Robert W. , Díez‐Martín Fernando , Domínguez‐Rodrigo Manuel , Favreau Julien , Itambu Makarius , Lee Patrick , Mabulla Audax , Patalano Robert , Pérez‐González Alfredo , Santonja Manuel , Tucker Laura , Walde Dale 
Published: March 2017

No agreement on what constitutes a safe and reproducible anticontamination protocol exists for ancient starch research. Protocols applied to laboratory work may represent ‘symptomatic treatment’ only, as contamination of archaeological materials in the field may be more extensive than realized. This paper is the first systematic study on the impact that modern starches from surface and buried soils, windborne dispersal, human motion, excavation techniques and toolkits, and field attire has on archaeological sample quality. The study area is Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. We identify seven starch types (discrete granules, n = 788) that embody the starch contamination landscape for the region. This study also demonstrates the various diagenetic changes that buried starch granules undergo in a short time, such as cavitation, fissuring, disruption and gelatinization. There are significant differences in morphotype class representation between the topsoil starches and those collected deeper below ground at excavated sites. Diagenetically transformed granules from underground storage organs dominate in soils, while native starches from cereal endosperm (Panicoideae and Triticeae) abound above ground in airborne samples. Furthermore, we illustrate how lithic samples excavated under standard field conditions can be contaminated, and that when a sample is compromised during excavation, it may be impossible to distinguish between target and introduced starches, especially when granules are identical or morphologically similar. The paper provides field recommendations to control false positives.
Dexpramipexole improves bioenergetics and outcome in experimental stroke
Authors: Muzzi Mirko , Gerace Elisabetta , Buonvicino Daniela , Coppi Elisabetta , Resta Francesco , Formentini Laura , Zecchi Riccardo , Tigli Laura , Guasti Daniele , Ferri Martina , Camaioni Emidio , Masi Alessio , Pellegrini‐Giampietro Domenico E , Mannaioni Guido , Bani Daniele , Pugliese Anna M , Chiarugi Alberto 
Published: March 2017

Background and PurposeDexpramipexole, a drug recently tested in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS,) is able to bind F1Fo ATP synthase and increase mitochondrial ATP production. Here, we have investigated its effects on experimental ischaemic brain injury.Experimental ApproachThe effects of dexpramipexole on bioenergetics, Ca2+ fluxes, electrophysiological functions and death were evaluated in primary neural cultures and hippocampal slices exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD). Effects on infarct volumes and neurological functions were also evaluated in mice following proximal or distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Distribution of dexpramipexole within the ischaemic brain was evaluated by means of mass spectrometry imaging.Key ResultsDexpramipexole increased mitochondrial ATP production in cultured neurons or glia and reduces energy failure, prevents intracellular Ca2+ overload and affords cytoprotection when cultures are exposed to OGD. This compound also counteracted ATP depletion, mitochondrial swelling, anoxic depolarization, loss of synaptic activity and neuronal death in hippocampal slices subjected to OGD. Post‐ischaemic treatment with dexpramipexole, at doses consistent with those already used in ALS patients, reduced brain infarct size and ameliorated neuroscore in mice subjected to transient or permanent MCAo. Notably, the concentrations of dexpramipexole reached within the ischaemic penumbra equalled those found neuroprotective in vitro.Conclusion and ImplicationsDexpramipexole, a compound able to increase mitochondrial F1Fo ATP‐synthase activity reduced ischaemic brain injury. These findings, together with the excellent brain penetration and favourable safety profile in humans, make dexpramipexole a drug with realistic translational potential for the treatment of stroke.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc
Documenting the urbanistic policy bias in rural early childhood services: Toward a functional definition of rurality
Authors: Vilches Silvia L. , Pighini Maria J. , Stewart Mary , Goelman Hillel 
Published: March 2017

Key Messages

Current per capita funding models have an urbanistic policy bias.
The concept of rurality is undertheorized for social planning purposes.
Four key characteristics define rural service barriers: travel time, travel modalities, jurisdictional divides, and per capita funding models.
Cockroach allergen serine proteinases: Isolation, sequencing and signalling via proteinase‐activated receptor‐2
Authors: Polley D. J. , Mihara K. , Ramachandran R. , Vliagoftis H. , Renaux B. , Saifeddine M. , Daines M. O. , Boitano S. , Hollenberg M. D. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundAllergy to the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a significant asthma risk factor for inner‐city communities. Cockroach, like other allergens, contains trypsin‐like enzyme activity that contributes to allergenicity and airway inflammation by activating proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs). To date, the enzymes responsible for the proteolytic activity of German cockroach allergen have not been characterized.ObjectivesWe aimed to identify, isolate and characterize the trypsin‐like proteinases in German cockroach allergen extracts used for clinical skin tests. For each enzyme, we sought to determine (1) its substrate and inhibitor enzyme kinetics (Km and IC50), (2) its amino acid sequence and (3) its ability to activate calcium signalling and/or ERK1/2 phosphorylation via PAR2.MethodsUsing a trypsin‐specific activity‐based probe, we detected three distinct enzymes that were isolated using ion‐exchange chromatography. Each enzyme was sequenced by mass spectometery (deconvoluted with an expressed sequence tag library), evaluated kinetically for its substrate/inhibitor profile and assessed for its ability to activate PAR2 signalling.FindingsEach of the three serine proteinase activity‐based probe‐labelled enzymes isolated was biochemically distinct, with different enzyme kinetic profiles and primary amino acid sequences. The three enzymes showed a 57%‐71% sequence identity with a proteinase previously cloned from the American cockroach (Per a 10). Each enzyme was found to activate both Ca++ and MAPK signalling via PAR2.Conclusions and RelevanceWe have identified three different serine proteinases from the German cockroach that may, via PAR2 activation, play different roles for allergen sensitization in vivo and may represent attractive therapeutic targets for asthma.
CXCL4 is a novel nickel‐binding protein and augments nickel allergy
Authors: Kuroishi T. , Bando K. , Tanaka Y. , Shishido K. , Kinbara M. , Ogawa T. , Muramoto K. , Endo Y. , Sugawara S. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundNickel (Ni) is the most frequent metal allergen and induces a TH1‐dependent type‐IV allergy. Although Ni2+ is considered to bind to endogenous proteins, it currently remains unclear whether these Ni‐binding proteins are involved in Ni allergy in vivo. We previously reported the adjuvant effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a Ni allergy mouse model. As LPS induces a number of inflammatory mediators, we hypothesized that Ni‐binding protein(s) are also induced by LPS.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to purify and identify Ni‐binding protein(s) from serum taken from LPS‐injected mice (referred as LPS serum) and examined the augmenting effects of these Ni‐binding protein(s) on Ni allergy in an in vivo model.MethodsBALB/cA mice were sensitized with an i.p. injection of NiCl2 and LPS. Ten days after sensitization, mice were challenged with NiCl2 by an i.d. injection into ear pinnae. Ni‐binding protein(s) were purified by Ni‐affinity column chromatography and gel filtration.ResultsLipopolysaccharide serum, but not serum taken from saline‐injected mice, augmented ear swelling induced by Ni‐allergic inflammation. Ni‐binding, but not non‐binding fraction, purified from LPS serum augmented Ni‐allergic inflammation. Mass spectrometry and Western blotting detected CXCL4 in the active fraction. A batch analysis with Ni‐sepharose and a surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed direct binding between CXCL4 and Ni2+. Recombinant CXCL4 augmented Ni‐allergic inflammation and exerted adjuvant effects at the sensitization phase.ConclusionsThese results indicate that CXCL4 is a novel Ni‐binding protein that augments Ni allergy at the elicitation and sensitization phases. This is the first study to demonstrate that the Ni‐binding protein augments Ni allergy in vivo.