bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased level of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) on the skin of Japanese obese males: measured by quantitative skin blotting
Authors: Ogai K. , Matsumoto M. , Aoki M. , Minematsu T. , Kitamura K. , Kobayashi M. , Sanada H. , Sugama J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveA state of chronic inflammation, characterized by an increased level of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), is often found in the obese population. The negative effects of elevated TNF‐α are not limited to systemic metabolism. It also reportedly affects skin integrity. Recently, the relationship between obesity and skin fragility was reported; however, there has been little insight into how the level of TNF‐α in the skin in situ is related to the severity of obesity. In this study, we aimed to measure the level of TNF‐α on the skin and to find the relationship between obesity and the level of TNF‐α detected on the skin.MethodsWe used a novel, non‐invasive method called quantitative skin blotting. Fifty‐nine healthy (but some were classified as being overweight or obese) Japanese males were enrolled as subjects. The levels of TNF‐α detected on the abdominal and thigh skin along with the body composition were measured, followed by a correlation analysis.ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between the levels of TNF‐α detected on the skin and the severity of obesity such as body mass index (BMI), body fat weight and visceral fat rating.ConclusionWe found that high levels of TNF‐α were detected on the skin of Japanese obese males, which implied the higher TNF‐α in the skin. The elevation of skin TNF‐α may be one factor related to skin fragility that is often found in obese individuals.
Differences between diploma and baccalaureate dental hygiene education in British Columbia: a qualitative perspective
Authors: Sunell S , McFarlane RDD , Biggar HC 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe British Columbia Ministry of Health in Canada approved a new registration category for dental hygienists in 2012. This category included four abilities that registrants were required to demonstrate at a 4th‐year baccalaureate degree level.ObjectiveTo identify the differences, if any, between diploma and bachelor's degree education with regard to the 4 legislated abilities focused on the process of care for clients with complex needs and/or disabling conditions including client safety, referrals and interprofessional collaboration.MethodsRegistrants who had entered practice with a diploma and then gained a baccalaureate degree were invited to participate in an online survey including closed‐ and open‐ended questions. The study was a mixed‐method design where the qualitative data were nested concurrently in the open‐ended questions; the data were analysed through thematic analysis using grounded theory methods.Results and discussionRespondents (n = 123; 51%) indicated their client care had improved with baccalaureate education due to increased knowledge, increased understanding and increased abilities to make judgements with a particular emphasis on evidence‐based decisions. These more advanced abilities provided them with increased confidence for taking action particularly in interprofessional contexts and increased the quality of their decision‐making thus leading to better care for clients.ConclusionRespondents described their dental hygiene services as generally being of a higher standard and specifically in the 4 legislated abilities as a direct result of baccalaureate education.
Structural analysis of HyFlex EDM instruments
Authors: Iacono F. , Pirani C. , Generali L. , Bolelli G. , Sassatelli P. , Lusvarghi L. , Gandolfi M. G. , Giorgini L. , Prati C. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo compare the phase transformation behaviour, the microstructure, the nano‐hardness and the surface chemistry of electro‐discharge machined HyFlex EDM instruments with conventionally manufactured HyFlex CM.MethodologyNew and laboratory used HyFlex EDM were examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Nano‐hardness and modulus of elasticity were also investigated using a maximum load of 20 mN with a minimum of 40 significant indentations for each sample. Raman spectroscopy and field emission‐scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) were used to assess the surface chemistry of HyFlex EDM. HyFlex CM were subjected to the same investigations and used as a comparison. Nano‐indentation data were statistically analysed using the Student's t‐test.Results
XRD analysis on HyFlex EDM revealed the presence of martensite and rhombohedral R‐phase, while a mixture of martensite and austenite structure was identified in HyFlex CM. DSC analysis also disclosed higher austenite finish (Af) temperatures for electro‐discharge machining (EDM) instruments. Significant differences in nano‐hardness and modulus of elasticity were found between EDM and CM files (P < 0.05). FE‐SEM and EDS analyses confirmed that both new EDM and CM files were covered by an oxide layer. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy assessed the presence of rutile‐TiO2
.
ConclusionsHyFlex EDM revealed peculiar structural properties, such as increased phase transformation temperatures and hardness. Present results corroborated previous findings and shed light on the enhanced mechanical behaviour of these instruments.
Effect of supercritical CO2 extraction process parameters on oil yield and pigment content from by‐product hemp cake
Authors: Aladić Krunoslav , Vidović Senka , Vladić Jelena , Balić Davor , Jukić Huska , Jokić Stela 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThis research gives an insight into the possibility of exploiting the one of the food industry's by‐products – pressed hemp cake. The complete recovery of oil from pressed hemp cake was achieved. Residual oil that remained in cake after pressing was extracted with supercritical CO2 by applying different process parameters. Optimal extraction conditions were determined using response surface methodology. Total pigment contents of the oils obtained were determined. Extraction pressure had the most significant influence on yield and pigment content of extracted hemp cake oil. Depending on the pressure, the chlorophyll a content ranged from 101.11 to 378.28 mg kg−1 and chlorophyll b from 65.14 to 189.78 mg kg−1, while total carotene content was in the range from 33.58 to 132.67 mg kg−1. The remaining oil in pressed hemp cake after supercritical CO2 extraction was determined to be 0.56 ± 0.08% and the defatted cake was rich in proteins and fibre.
Fermentation alters antioxidant capacity and polyphenol distribution in selected edible legumes
Authors: Gan Ren‐You , Shah Nagendra P. , Wang Ming‐Fu , Lui Wing‐Yee , Corke Harold 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThis study was designed to investigate the influences of fermentation by naturally occurring bacteria on legumes and lactic acid bacteria on antioxidant capacity and polyphenols in both soluble and bound extracts of eight common edible legumes, including black cow gram, mottled cowpea, speckled kidney bean, lentil, small rice bean, small runner bean and two soya beans. Fermentation had varying effects on the antioxidant capacity of soluble and bound extracts in different edible legumes, with fermented mottled cowpea, speckled kidney bean and small rice bean showing increased total antioxidant capacity. In addition, fermentation in general enhanced total phenolic content in all the selected legumes, which could be associated with the biotransformation between soluble phenolics and the release of bound phenolics induced by micro‐organisms involved in the fermentation process. Phenolic compounds, such as catechin, were increased in fermented mottled cowpea. Overall, fermentation could increase the bioavailability of legume polyphenols and fermented legume powders rich in antioxidant polyphenols can be used to develop novel functional foods.
Physicochemical characteristics and gelation properties of collagen superfine powder from swine skin: the effects of preheating treatment
Authors: Wang Wenhang , Zhang Yi , Ye Ran , Zhao Wenping 
Published: February 2016

SummaryFollowing different preheating treatments (60 °C for 20 min; 80 °C for 20 min; or 120 °C for 10 min, referred as T1, T2 and T3), edible collagen superfine powder (CSP) from swine skin was prepared by superfine grinding method. The CSPs showed a preheating‐dependent decrease in the D50, with different degrees of hydrolysis (9.51–31.05%). A significant effect of preheating on rheological properties of the CSP aqueous dispersions at pH 4–9 was observed, wherein T2 had the biggest viscosity and water holding capacity. All the 5% CSP dispersions were transformed into stable cold‐set gels after heating at 50–90 °C for 20 min, with insignificant differences in strength. These attributes were consistent with microstructures of the CSP gels detected by scanning electron microscope.
A retrospective comparison of infliximab versus adalimumab as induction and maintenance therapy for Crohn disease
Authors: Varma P. , Paul E. , Huang C. , Headon B. , Sparrow M. P. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundIn Australia, infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADA) are available for the treatment of moderate–severe Crohn disease (CD) refractory to conventional therapies, with minimal local data comparing their efficacy.AimThe aim of this study was to compare clinical and biochemical outcomes at 3 and 12 months between patients receiving induction and maintenance therapy with IFX versus ADA.MethodsRetrospective single‐centre audit of all patients commenced on IFX or ADA as their first anti‐tumour necrosis factor agent between July 2007 and May 2012. Clinical and biochemical parameters were compared pre‐commencement, 3 and 12 months post‐commencement.ResultsA total of 81 patients was included in the study; 63 IFX‐treated and 18 ADA‐treated. Significant Crohn disease activity index (CDAI) reductions were noted within both groups at 3 months (P < 0.001) and 12 months (P < 0.001). Similarly, significant reductions were noted in steroid doses within groups at 3 months (P < 0.05) and 12 months (P < 0.05), with notable reductions in C‐reactive protein (CRP) at 3 months within groups (P < 0.05). Adverse events occurred in 14.3% of IFX and 11.1% of ADA patients.Comparing IFX with ADA, no difference was shown between groups in CDAI reductions at 3 months (P = 0.94) and 12 months (P = 0.95), steroid dosing at 3 months (P = 0.23) and 12 months (P = 0.81), and CRP reduction at 3 months (P = 0.33) and 12 months (P = 0.62). Fistula‐related admissions were significantly reduced in IFX patients (100% reduction post‐IFX vs 66.7% post‐ADA) (P = 0.01).ConclusionClinical and biochemical outcomes were similar in patients treated with IFX or ADA as induction and maintenance therapy for CD. However, significant reductions were noted in admissions relating to fistulising disease in IFX patients.
Engineered IgG1‐Fc – one fragment to bind them all
Authors: Lobner Elisabeth , Traxlmayr Michael W. , Obinger Christian , Hasenhindl Christoph 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe crystallizable fragment (Fc) of the immunoglobulin class G (IgG) is a very attractive scaffold for the design of novel therapeutics due to its quality of uniting all essential antibody functions. This article reviews the functionalization of this homodimeric glycoprotein by diversification of structural loops of CH3 domains for the design of Fcabs, i.e. antigen‐binding Fc proteins. It reports the design of libraries for the selection of nanomolar binders with wildtype‐like in vivo half‐life and correlation of Fc receptor binding and ADCC. The in vitro and preclinical biological activity of selected Fcabs is compared with that of clinically approved antibodies. Recently, the great potential of the scaffold for the development of therapeutics for clinical use has been shown when the HER2‐binding Fcab FS102 entered clinical phase I. Furthermore, methods for the engineering of biophysical properties of Fcabs applicable to proteins in general are presented as well as the different approaches in the design of heterodimeric Fc‐based scaffolds used in the generation of bispecific monoclonal antibodies. Finally, this work critically analyzes and compares the various efforts in the design of highly diverse and functional libraries that have been made in the engineering of IgG1‐Fc and structurally similar scaffolds.
Engineered hapten‐binding antibody derivatives for modulation of pharmacokinetic properties of small molecules and targeted payload delivery
Authors: Dengl Stefan , Sustmann Claudio , Brinkmann Ulrich 
Published: February 2016

SummaryHapten‐binding antibodies have for more than 50 years played a pivotal role in immunology, paving the way to antibody generation (as haptens are very important and robust immunogens), to antibody characterization (as the first structures generated more than 40 years ago were those of hapten binders), and enabled and expanded antibody engineering technologies. The latter field of engineered antibodies evolved over many years and many steps resulting in recombinant humanized or human‐derived antibody derivatives in multiple formats. Today, hapten‐binding antibodies are applied not only as reagents and tools (where they still play an important part) but evolved also to engineered targeting and pretargeting vehicles for disease diagnosis and therapy. Here we describe recent applications of hapten‐binding antibodies and of engineered mono‐ and bispecific hapten‐binding antibody derivatives. We have designed and applied these molecules for the modulation of the pharmacokinetic properties of small compounds or peptides. They are also integrated as additional binding entities into bispecific antibody formats. Here they serve as non‐covalent or covalent coupling modules to haptenylated compounds, to enable targeted payload delivery to disease tissues or cells.
Monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 in hematological malignancies and beyond
Authors: van de Donk Niels W. C. J. , Janmaat Maarten L. , Mutis Tuna , Lammerts van Bueren Jeroen J. , Ahmadi Tahamtan , Sasser A. Kate , Lokhorst Henk M. , Parren Paul W. H. I. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryCD38 is a multifunctional cell surface protein that has receptor as well as enzyme functions. The protein is generally expressed at low levels on various hematological and solid tissues, while plasma cells express particularly high levels of CD38. The protein is also expressed in a subset of hematological tumors, and shows especially broad and high expression levels in plasma cell tumors such as multiple myeloma (MM). Together, this triggered the development of various therapeutic CD38 antibodies, including daratumumab, isatuximab, and MOR202. Daratumumab binds a unique CD38 epitope and showed strong anti‐tumor activity in preclinical models. The antibody engages diverse mechanisms of action, including complement‐dependent cytotoxicity, antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity, antibody‐dependent cellular phagocytosis, programmed cell death, modulation of enzymatic activity, and immunomodulatory activity. CD38‐targeting antibodies have a favorable toxicity profile in patients, and early clinical data show a marked activity in MM, while studies in other hematological malignancies are ongoing. Daratumumab has single agent activity and a limited toxicity profile, allowing favorable combination therapies with existing as well as emerging therapies, which are currently evaluated in the clinic. Finally, CD38 antibodies may have a role in the treatment of diseases beyond hematological malignancies, including solid tumors and antibody‐mediated autoimmune diseases.
Manipulation of the glycan‐specific natural antibody repertoire for immunotherapy
Authors: New J. Stewart , King R. Glenn , Kearney John F. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryNatural immunoglobulin derived from innate‐like B lymphocytes plays important roles in the suppression of inflammatory responses and represents a promising therapeutic target in a growing number of allergic and autoimmune diseases. These antibodies are commonly autoreactive and incorporate evolutionarily conserved specificities, including certain glycan‐specific antibodies. Despite this conservation, exposure to bacterial polysaccharides during innate‐like B lymphocyte development, through either natural exposure or immunization, induces significant changes in clonal representation within the glycan‐reactive B cell pool. Glycan‐reactive natural antibodies (NAbs) have been reported to play protective and pathogenic roles in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. An understanding of the composition and functions of a healthy glycan‐reactive NAb repertoire is therefore paramount. A more thorough understanding of NAb repertoire development holds promise for the design of both biological diagnostics and therapies. In this article, we review the development and functions of NAbs and examine three glycan specificities, represented in the innate‐like B cell pool, to illustrate the complex roles environmental antigens play in NAb repertoire development. We also discuss the implications of increased clonal plasticity of the innate‐like B cell repertoire during neonatal and perinatal periods, and the prospect of targeting B cell development with interventional therapies and correct defects in this important arm of the adaptive immune system.
Immigration and Democratic Principles: On Carens’ Ethics of Immigration
Authors: Song Sarah 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCarens has done more than any other political theorist or philosopher to develop the normative perspective of prospective migrants from within the liberal democratic tradition, but he has not sufficiently engaged with the other side of the argument – in particular, with the value of political community and the principle of collective self‐determination. What is at stake for the immigrant‐receiving country that might justify its claim to control immigration? I first examine Carens’ theory of social membership and its connection to political community. I then discuss his method of ‘political theory from the ground up’ and his interpretation of democratic principles. I conclude with a discussion of the principle of collective self‐determination.
Haemosporidian parasites and avian host population abundance in the Lesser Antilles
Authors: Ricklefs Robert E. , Soares Leticia , Ellis Vincenzo A. , Latta Steven C. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo determine statistical relationships between the prevalence of haemosporidian (malaria) parasites and the abundance of avian host populations across islands in the Lesser Antilles.LocationThirteen islands in the Lesser Antilles, from Grenada in the south to St Kitts in the north.MethodsBirds were captured by mist net and small blood samples were taken for polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing analysis of haemosporidian parasite infections. Similarities between islands with respect to geographical distance, avian host assemblages and haemosporidian parasite assemblages were compared by partial Mantel tests. Relative abundances of avian host populations across islands were compared to the relative abundances of common haemosporidian lineages by stepwise regression.ResultsPopulations of parasite lineages were more heterogeneously distributed than were host populations across the islands; parasite lineages frequently shift between hosts on different islands and exhibit range disjunctions. Relative population sizes of two widespread and common species of bird in the Lesser Antilles, the bananaquit Coereba flaveola and the black‐faced grassquit Tiaris bicolor, were negatively related to the relative abundances of two parasite lineages, OZ01 (Plasmodium sp.) and OZ12 (Haemoproteus sp.), although the latter parasite was not recovered from either host. Positive associations between populations of Elaenia martinica and the relative abundance of three parasite lineages in populations of Vireo altiloquus additionally suggest the possibility of apparent competition between avian species mediated through haemosporidian parasites.Main conclusionsThe results of these analyses are consistent with a strong influence of some avian haemosporidian parasites on populations of their hosts, including indirect interactions through apparent competition. In addition, the heterogeneity of host–parasite associations between islands suggests an evolutionarily dynamic system that is consistent with phases of host expansion and contraction, commonly known as the taxon cycle.
Hepatitis C virus NS3‐4A inhibits the peroxisomal MAVS‐dependent antiviral signalling response
Authors: Ferreira Ana R. , Magalhães Ana C. , Camões Fátima , Gouveia Ana , Vieira Marta , Kagan Jonathan C. , Ribeiro Daniela 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) is the cause of one of the most prevalent viral infections worldwide. Upon infection, the HCV genome activates the RIG‐I‐MAVS signalling pathway leading to the production of direct antiviral effectors which prevent important steps in viral propagation.MAVS localizes at peroxisomes and mitochondria and coordinate the activation of an effective antiviral response: peroxisomal MAVS is responsible for a rapid but short‐termed antiviral response, while the mitochondrial MAVS is associated with the activation of a stable response with delayed kinetics.The HCV NS3‐4A protease was shown to specifically cleave the mitochondrial MAVS, inhibiting the downstream response.In this study, we have analysed whether HCV NS3‐4A is also able to cleave the peroxisomal MAVS and whether this would have any effect on the cellular antiviral response. We show that NS3‐4A is indeed able to specifically cleave this protein and release it into the cytosol, a mechanism that seems to occur at a similar kinetic rate as the cleavage of the mitochondrial MAVS. Under these conditions, RIG‐I‐like receptor (RLR) signalling from peroxisomes is blocked and antiviral gene expression is inhibited. Our results also show that NS3‐4A is able to localize at peroxisomes in the absence of MAVS. However, mutation studies have shown that this localization pattern is preferred in the presence of a fully cleavable MAVS. These findings present evidence of a viral evasion strategy that disrupts RLR signalling on peroxisomes and provide an excellent example of how a single viral evasion strategy can block innate immune signalling from different organelles.
HDAC9 exacerbates endothelial injury in cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Shi Weichen , Wei Xinbing , Wang Ziying , Han Huirong , Fu Yi , Liu Jiang , Zhang Yan , Guo Jian , Dong Chuanqiao , Zhou Di , Zhou Quan , Chen Yuxin , Yi Fan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHistone deacetylase (HDAC) 9, a member of class II HDACs, regulates a wide variety of normal and abnormal physiological functions, which is usually expressed at high levels in the brain and skeletal muscle. Although studies have highlighted the importance of HDAC‐mediated epigenetic processes in the development of ischaemic stroke and very recent genome‐wide association studies have identified a variant in HDAC9 associated with large‐vessel ischemic stroke, the molecular events by which HDAC9 induces cerebral injury keep unclear. In this study, we found that HDAC9 was up‐regulated in the ischaemic cerebral hemisphere after cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats and in vivo gene silencing of HDAC9 by recombinated lentivirus infection in the brain reduced cerebral injury in experimental stroke. We further demonstrated that HDAC9 contributed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation‐induced brain microvessel endothelial cell dysfunction as demonstrated by the increased inflammatory responses, cellular apoptosis and endothelial cell permeability dysfunction accompanied by reduced expression of tight‐junction proteins. We further found that HDAC9 suppressed autophagy, which was associated with endothelial dysfunction. This study for the first time provides direct evidence that HDAC9 contributes to endothelial cell injury and demonstrates that HDAC9 is one of critical components of a signal transduction pathway that links cerebral injury to epigenetic modification in the brain.