bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Building a theoretical framework for autism spectrum disorders screening instruments in Europe
Authors: Magán‐Maganto María , Jónsdóttir Sigrídur Lóa , Sánchez‐García Ana B. , García‐Primo Patricia , Hellendoorn Annika , Charman Tony , Roeyers Herbert , Dereu Mieke , Moilanen Irma , Muratori Filippo , Posada de la Paz Manuel , Rogé Bernadette , Oosterling Iris J , Yliherva Anneli , Canal‐Bedia Ricardo 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThis study addresses the need for a theoretical base to develop more effective early autism spectrum disorders (ASD) detection tools. The structure that underlies early ASD detection is explored by evaluating the opinions of experts on ASD screening tools currently used in Europe.MethodA process of face and content validity was performed. First, the best constructs were selected from the relevant tests: Checklist for Early Signs of Developmental Disorders (CESDD), Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT), Early Screening of Autistic Traits Questionnaire (ESAT), Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT), Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and Communication and Symbolic Behaviour Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS‐DP). The diagnostic content validity model by Fehring (1986, 1994) was adapted to make the selection. Afterwards, the items, taken from these tests, were selected to fit into each construct, using the same methodology.ResultsTwelve of the 18 constructs were selected by the experts and 11 items were chosen from a total of 130, reduced to eight after eliminating tautologies.ConclusionsMapping these constructs and items on to the DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria for ASD indicated good face and content validity. Results of this research will contribute to efforts to improve early ASD screening instruments and identify the key behaviours that experts in ASD see as the most relevant for early detection.
Th17, synchronically increased with Tregs and Bregs, promoted by tumour cells via cell-contact in primary hepatic carcinoma
Authors: Wang W , Wang Z , Qin Y , Tang G , Cai G , Liu Y , Zhang J , Zhang P , Shen Q , Shen L , Yu W 
Published: December 2017

Summary
Documented reports about T helper type 17 (Th17) cells have revealed that Th17 plays a critical role in inflammation and autoimmunity diseases. However, the role of Th17 in cancer remains contradictory. The interplay between Th17 and tumour cells in the tumour microenvironment of primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) needs to be explored further and the relationship between Th17, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and regulatory B cells (Bregs) has not been defined completely. In this study, numerous experiments were undertaken to elucidate the interaction of Th17 and Treg/Breg cells involved in PHC. Our work demonstrated that an increased Th17 was detected in the peripheral circulation and in tumour tissues in PHC patients. In addition, increases in peripheral blood Th17 corresponded with tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) stage progression. Also, further studies indicated that Th17 cells were promoted by tumour cells in the PHC tumour microenvironment through both contact-dependent and -independent mechanisms, but cell-contact played the major important role in promoting the production and proliferation of Th17. When isolated CD4+CD25+CD127low Tregs and CD4+CD25–CD127+ non-Tregs were cultured with autologous tumour cells, it implied that the phenotype of Th17 and Tregs was modified by tumour cells in the tumour microenvironment. As well as this, Th17 cells were also found to correlate positively with CD4+forkhead box protein 3+ Tregs and CD19+CD5+CD1dhi Bregs in PHC. Notably, Th17 increased synchronically with Tregs and Bregs in PHC. These findings may provide new clues to reveal the mechanisms of immune escape in PHC.
Immunomodulatory activity of glycodelin: implications in allograft rejection
Authors: Dixit A , Balakrishnan B , Karande A A 
Published: December 2017

Summary
Glycodelin is an immunomodulator, indispensable for the maintenance of pregnancy in humans. The glycoprotein induces apoptosis in activated CD4+ T cells, monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, and suppresses the activity of cytotoxic T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. This study explores the immunosuppressive property of glycodelin for its possible use in preventing graft rejection. Because glycodelin is found only in certain primates, the hypothesis was investigated in an allograft nude mouse model. It is demonstrated that treatment of alloactivated mononuclear cells with glycodelin thwarts graft rejection. Glycodelin decreases the number of activated CD4+ and CD8+ cells and down-regulates the expression of key proteins known to be involved in graft demise such as granzyme-B, eomesodermin (EOMES), interleukin (IL)-2 and proinflammatory cytokines [tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6], resulting in a weakened cell-mediated immune response. Immunosuppressive drugs for treating allograft rejection are associated with severe side effects. Glycodelin, a natural immunomodulator in humans, would be an ideal alternative candidate.
Enriched physical environment reverses spatial cognitive impairment of socially isolated APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice before amyloidosis onset
Authors: Cao Min , Hu Pan‐Pan , Zhang Yan‐Li , Yan Yi‐Xin , Shields Christopher B. , Zhang Yi‐Ping , Hu Gang , Xiao Ming 
Published: December 2017

SummaryAimsSocial isolation increases the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Environmental enrichment, a complicated social and physical construct, plays beneficial effects on brain plasticity and function. This study was designed to determine whether physical enrichment can reduce the deleterious consequences of social isolation on the onset of AD.MethodsOne‐month‐old APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic AD model mice were singly housed in the enriched physical environment for 8 weeks and then received behavioral tests, neuropathological analyses, and Western blot of the hippocampus.ResultsThe enriched physical environment reversed spatial cognitive decline of socially isolated APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. The functional reversal was associated with decreases in cellular apoptosis, synaptic protein loss, inflammation, and glial activation in the hippocampus, without changes in amyloid β neuropathology.ConclusionThese results suggest that the enriched physical environment may serve as a nonpharmacological intervention for delaying the onset of AD accompanied with social isolation.
Unconjugated bilirubin modulates neuronal signaling only in wild‐type mice, but not after ablation of the R‐type/Cav2.3 voltage‐gated calcium channel
Authors: Albanna Walid , Neumaier Felix , Lüke Jan Niklas , Kotliar Konstantin , Conzen Catharina , Lindauer Ute , Hescheler Jürgen , Clusmann Hans , Schneider Toni , Schubert Gerrit Alexander 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIntroductionThe relationship between blood metabolites and hemoglobin degradation products (BMHDPs) formed in the cerebrospinal fluid and the development of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has been the focus of several previous studies, but their molecular and cellular targets remain to be elucidated.MethodsBecause BMHDP‐induced changes in Cav2.3 channel function are thought to contribute to DCI after aSAH, we studied their modulation by unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) in an organotypical neuronal network from wild‐type (WT) and Cav2.3‐deficient animals (KO). Murine retinae were isolated from WT and KO and superfused with nutrient solution. Electroretinograms were recorded before, during, and after superfusion with UCB. Transretinal signaling was analyzed as b‐wave, implicit time, and area under the curve (AUC).ResultsSuperfusion of UCB significantly attenuated the b‐wave amplitude in the isolated retina from wild‐type mice by 14.9% (P < 0.05), followed by gradual partial recovery (P = 0.09). Correspondingly, AUC decreased significantly with superfusion of UCB (P < 0.05). During washout, the b‐wave amplitude returned to baseline (P = 0.2839). The effects of UCB were absent in Cav2.3‐deficient mice, lacking the expression of Cav2.3 as proofed on the biochemical level.ConclusionsEx vivo neuronal recording in the murine retina is able to detect transient impairment of transretinal signaling by UCB in WT, but not in KO. This new model may be useful to further clarify the role of calcium channels in neuronal signal alteration in the presence of BHMDPs.
The sarcopenia index: A novel measure of muscle mass in lung transplant candidates
Authors: Kashani Kianoush , Sarvottam Kumar , Pereira Naveen L. , Barreto Erin F. , Kennedy Cassie C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundFrailty, including low muscle mass, is an emerging risk factor for poor outcomes after lung transplant. The sarcopenia index (SI)—(serum creatinine value/cystatin C value) × 100—is a novel blood test to approximate muscle mass. We sought to validate SI among lung transplant patients.MethodsWe retrospectively identified adult lung transplant recipients from 2000 through 2012 at our institution who underwent computed tomography within 1 year before transplant and had preserved blood samples. Creatinine and cystatin C values were measured using the samples and used to calculate SI. Muscle mass was estimated by computed tomographic measurement of skeletal muscle cross‐sectional surface area (SA) at the L1 to L3 vertebral levels. Correlation between SI and SA was evaluated.ResultsOf 28 patients meeting eligibility criteria, most were white (96%) and men (54%). Median (interquartile range) body mass index, SI, and SA were 25.9 (22‐30) kg/m2, 106 (91‐119), and 157 (113‐195) cm2, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between SI and SA was significant at L2 (0.43; P = .02) and L3 (0.41; P = .03).ConclusionSarcopenia index is a potentially objective measure for estimating muscle mass that is noninvasive and less expensive. Sarcopenia index could be considered in lung transplant candidate selection following prospective validation in larger cohorts.
Mid‐ to long‐term results of total ankle replacement in patients with haemophilic arthropathy: A 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: Eckers F. , Bauer D. E. , Hingsammer A. , Sutter R. , Brand B. , Viehöfer A. , Wirth S. H. 
Published: December 2017

IntroductionHaemophilic ankle arthropathy is caused by recurrent spontaneous joint haemorrhaging and leads to pain, deformity and loss of function. In the presence of advanced articular deterioration, therapeutic options are confined to either arthroplasty or arthrodesis, the latter still being referred to as the procedure of choice. However, total ankle replacement (TAR) has recently gained acceptance as an alternative.AimTo investigate the mid‐ to long‐term results of TAR in haemophilic ankle arthropathy.Materials and MethodsSeventeen TARs in 14 male patients (mean age: 43 years [range, 27.4‐57.6]), implanted between 1998 and 2012, were retrospectively analysed. Implant survival was estimated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Haemophilic/viral status, complications and revision surgeries were recorded. Follow‐up assessment of 12 TARs was performed 9.6 years (range, 3.3‐17.8) postoperatively, including clinical examination, pain and satisfaction scales, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and the SF‐36. Radiographic evaluation of pre‐ and follow‐up radiographs was conducted.ResultsEstimated implant survival was 94% at 5, 85% at 10 and 70% at 15 years, respectively. Three cases required revision surgery. At follow‐up, 9.6 years (range, 3.3‐17.8) postoperatively, the level of satisfaction was 76% (range, 50‐100) and of pain 2/10 (range, 0‐6) on the VAS. Range of motion had increased significantly (P = .037). The SF‐36 summary scores were comparable to those of a matched standard population. The AOFAS hindfoot score averaged 81 points (range, 73‐90). All radiographs revealed component loosening or periprosthetic radiolucency.ConclusionTotal ankle replacement in the presence of advanced haemophilic arthropathy is a viable treatment option with favourable mid‐/long‐term results, maintaining mobility of the ankle joint.
Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein more reliably distinguishes liver fibrosis stages in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease than serum Mac‐2 binding protein
Authors: Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Nakagawa Ai , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Kato Keizo , Hatori Tsutomu , Hano Hiroshi , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Emoto Naoya , Abe Masanori , Kage Masayoshi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko 
Published: December 2017

AimSerum Mac‐2 binding protein (M2BP) and Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) are used to estimate the liver fibrosis stage in chronic liver diseases. However, few head‐to‐head studies have been carried out to compare the two biomarkers in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsSerum M2BP and WFA+‐M2BP levels were compared against clinical characteristics and liver histological manifestations in the same samples collected from 213 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients.ResultsMedian levels (range) of M2BP and WFA+‐M2BP were 1.58 (0.70–7.75) pg/mL and 0.85 (0.22–11.32) cut‐off index (COI), respectively. Fibrosis stages 1, 2, 3, and 4 were determined in 136, 37, 17, and 23 patients, respectively. Median levels of both biomarkers increased stepwise with fibrosis progression. The M2BP and WFA+‐M2BP levels showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.643, P = 2.91 × 10−26), but a marked discrepancy between both biomarkers was noted in five stage 4 and three stage 1 patients, who had high WFA+‐M2BP but relatively low M2BP levels. Most of these outliers had findings suggestive of more advanced fibrosis. For diagnosing any fibrosis severity, WFA+‐M2BP had greater area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and predictive accuracy than M2BP. Among eight fibrosis markers/indices, WFA+‐M2BP yielded the second highest AUC (0.832) and the highest predictive accuracy (82.2%) to diagnose cirrhosis. In addition, WFA+‐M2BP showed the second highest predictive accuracy to diagnose severe fibrosis (78.4%) and significant fibrosis (76.1%).ConclusionThis head‐to‐head comparison suggests that WFA+‐M2BP is superior to M2BP for distinguishing liver fibrosis stages in NAFLD patients. A marked discrepancy between the two biomarkers may be indicative of advanced NAFLD (UMIN000023286).
Carapace epithelia are rich in large filamentous actin bundles in Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex, and Sida crystallina (Crustacea: Cladocera)
Authors: Christensen Arne K. , Owusu Nana G. , Jean‐Louis David 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCladocerans (water fleas) are planktonic crustaceans that typically have a bivalved carapace. Each valve of the carapace consists of two cuticle‐secreting epithelial layers that are separated by a hemolymphatic chamber and joined by pillar structures. Ultrastructural analyses in several species of Cladocera have shown that the carapace epithelia and pillars contain filamentous structures of unknown composition. In the present study we used a fluorescent phalloidin conjugate to show that the carapaces of three cladocerans, Daphnia magna, D. pulex, and Sida crystallina, are rich in large bundles of filamentous actin (F‐actin). In D. magna we employed confocal microscopy and orthogonal views of three‐dimensional reconstructions to show that these bundles extend radially from foci in the pillars towards the integument surfaces, and their structure is consistent with that of contractile stress fibers. Using a fluorescent lipophilic stain, DiOC6(3), we show that the F‐actin bundles are distributed in membrane‐rich regions within the carapace epithelia, and that, in the superficial epithelium, these may be large membrane‐bound organelles. In D. magna, the F‐actin bundles are present in embryonic, juvenile instar, and adult, developmental stages, and through development the bundles become larger, contain more F‐actin, and become more widely spaced. We present an alignment of the deduced amino acid sequences of six putative D. pulex actin genes, and discuss the implications that their respective sequences have on the likelihood of their inclusion into the F‐actin bundles of the carapace. Our identification of these large F‐actin bundles within the pillars of three cladocerans provides new insight into the role these structures play in influencing carapace dynamics within this order.
Liquidity as Social Expertise
Authors: KURLAT PABLO 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a theory of liquidity dynamics. Illiquidity results from asymmetric information. Observing the historical track record teaches agents how to interpret public information and helps overcome information asymmetry. However, an illiquidity trap can arise: too much asymmetric information leads to the breakdown of trade, which interrupts learning and perpetuates illiquidity. Liquidity falls in response to unexpected events that lead agents to question their valuation models (especially in newer markets) may be slow to recover after a crisis, and is higher in periods of stability.
Marginal Fit of Metal‐Ceramic Copings: Effect of Luting Cements and Tooth Preparation Design
Authors: de Almeida Juliana Gomes dos Santos Paes , Guedes Carlos Gramani , Abi‐Rached Filipe de Oliveira , Trindade Flávia Zardo , Fonseca Renata Garcia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of the triad finish line design, axial wall convergence angle, and luting cement on the marginal fit of metal copings used in metal‐ceramic crowns.Materials and MethodsSchematic dies and their respective copings were cast in NiCr alloy. The dies exhibited the following finish line/convergence angle combinations: sloping shoulder/6°, sloping shoulder/20°, shoulder/6°, shoulder/20°. Marginal fit was evaluated under a stereomicroscope, before and after cementation. Copings were air‐abraded with 50 μm Al2O3 particles and cemented with Cimento de Zinco, RelyX U100, or Panavia F cements (n = 10/group). Data were square‐root transformed and analyzed by 3‐way factorial random effect model and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05).ResultsStatistical analysis showed significance for the interactions finish line and convergence angle (p < 0.05), convergence angle and time (p < 0.001), and luting cement and time (p < 0.001). Sloping shoulder/20° provided the highest marginal discrepancy when compared to the other finish line/convergence angle combinations, which were statistically similar among each other. For both convergence angles and for all luting cements, the marginal discrepancy was significantly higher after cementation. Before and after cementation, 6° provided better marginal fit than 20°. After cementation, Panavia F provided higher marginal discrepancy than Cimento de Zinco.ConclusionLower convergence angle combined with shoulder and a low‐consistency luting cement is preferable to cement metal copings.
Assessing uncertainty in the burden of hepatitis C virus: Comparison of estimated disease burden and treatment costs in the UK
Authors: Gubay F. , Staunton R. , Metzig C. , Abubakar I. , White P. J. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major and growing public health concern. We need to know the expected health burden and treatment cost, and understand uncertainty in those estimates, to inform policymaking and future research. Two models that have been important in informing treatment guidelines and assessments of HCV burden were compared by simulating cohorts of individuals with chronic HCV infection initially aged 20, 35 and 50 years. One model predicts that health losses (measured in quality‐adjusted life‐years [QALYs]) and treatment costs decrease with increasing initial age of the patients, whilst the other model predicts that below 40 years, costs increase and QALY losses change little with age, and above 40 years, they decline with increasing age. Average per‐patient costs differ between the models by up to 38%, depending on the patients' initial age. One model predicts double the total number, and triple the peak annual incidence, of liver transplants compared to the other model. One model predicts 55%‐314% more deaths than the other, depending on the patients' initial age. The main sources of difference between the models are estimated progression rates between disease states and rates of health service utilization associated with different disease states and, in particular, the age dependency of these parameters. We conclude that decision‐makers need to be aware that uncertainties in the health burden and economic cost of HCV disease have important consequences for predictions of future need for care and cost‐effectiveness of interventions to avert HCV transmission, and further quantification is required to inform decisions.
Efficacy and safety of 6 or 8 weeks of simeprevir, daclatasvir, sofosbuvir for HCV genotype 1 infection
Authors: Sulkowski M. S. , Feld J. J. , Lawitz E. , Felizarta F. , Corregidor A. M. , Khalid O. , Ghalib R. , Smith W. B. , Van Eygen V. , Luo D. , Vijgen L. , Gamil M. , Kakuda T. N. , Ouwerkerk‐Mahadevan S. , Van Remoortere P. , Beumont M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe phase 2, open‐label ACCORDION (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02349048) study investigated the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of a 6‐ or 8‐week regimen of simeprevir, daclatasvir and sofosbuvir in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 1 infection and either early‐stage fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis. Patients were assigned to treatment groups according to their fibrosis stage. Early‐stage fibrosis: simeprevir 150 mg, daclatasvir 60 mg, sofosbuvir 400 mg once daily for 6 weeks; compensated cirrhosis: same regimen for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of simeprevir, daclatasvir and sofosbuvir were investigated. Sixty‐eight patients were treated (6‐week group: n = 59; 8‐week group: n = 9). SVR12 was achieved by 86.4% (51/59) of patients with early‐stage fibrosis and by 100% (9/9) of patients with cirrhosis. The main reason for not achieving SVR12 in the 6‐week group was viral relapse (11.9%; 7/59). One patient had on‐treatment failure due to an early withdrawal (lost to follow‐up due to incarceration). One patient with SVR12 in the 6‐week group had a late viral relapse at post‐treatment week 24. No clinically significant drug‐drug interactions were observed. Adverse events were reported in 63.2% of patients (43/68) and were mainly grade 1/2. None of these led to treatment discontinuation. The 3 direct‐acting antiviral regimens of simeprevir, daclatasvir and sofosbuvir were safe and well tolerated in treatment‐naïve, HCV GT1‐infected patients with early‐stage fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis.