bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel general and efficient technique for dissociating antigen in circulating immune complexes
Authors: Dai Yuzhu , Hu Zhengjun , Chen Yu , Lou Bin , Cui Dawei , Xu Aifang , Rao Yueli , He Jiahui , Yang Jiezuan , Zeng Xianming , Xu Xujian , Wang Guozheng , Xu Jian , Zhou Tieli , Sun Changgui , Cheng Jun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCirculating immune complexes (CICs) are produced during the immune response. It is more clinically important to establish a general and efficient CICs dissociation technique for the detection of antigens for CICs other than the detection of free antigens in the serum. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) two‐precipitation separation and glycine‐HCl as a buffer system were employed to develop a general and efficient buffer dissociation technique to separate CICs from serum and dissociate antigens from CICs. The measurement value of new PEG two‐precipitation separation technique was higher than traditional PEG precipitation separation technique. There were slight differences in the dissociation conditions of HCV Core‐IC, HIV P24‐IC, Ins‐IC and TG‐IC as compared to HBsAg‐IC. The detection of antigens in HBsAg‐IC, HCV Core‐IC, HIV P24‐IC, Ins‐IC and TG‐IC with this technique was superior to that with HCl Dissociation, Trypsin Digestion or Immune Complex Transfer technique. PEG two‐precipitation dissociation technique may reduce macromolecular protein and the adhesion of free antigens during the co‐precipitation, which increases the efficiency of separation and precipitation of CICs. This technique also avoids the damage of reagents to antigens, assuring the repeatability, reliability and validity. Thus, this technique is application in samples negative or positive for free antigens.
Chronic exposure of a freshwater mussel to elevated pCO2: Effects on the control of biomineralization and ion-regulatory responses
Authors: Jeffrey Jennifer D. , Hannan Kelly D. , Hasler Caleb T. , Suski Cory D. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Freshwater mussels may be exposed to elevations in mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of a 28-d elevation in pCO2 at 15 000 and 50 000 μatm on processes associated with biomineralization, ion regulation, and cellular stress in adult Lampsilis siliquoidea (Barnes, 1823). In addition, the capacity for mussels to compensate for acid-base disturbances experienced after exposure to elevated pCO2 was assessed over a 14-d recovery period. Overall, exposure to 50 000 μatm pCO2 had more pronounced physiological consequences compared with 15 000 μatm pCO2. Over the first 7 d of exposure to 50 000 μatm pCO2, the mRNA abundance of chitin synthase (cs), calmodulin (cam), and calmodulin-like protein (calp) were significantly affected, suggesting that shell formation and integrity may be altered during pCO2 exposure. After the removal of the pCO2 treatment, mussels may compensate for the acid-base and ion disturbances experienced during pCO2 exposure, and transcript levels of some regulators of biomineralization (carbonic anhydrase [ca], cs, cam, calp) as well as ion regulation (na+-k+-ATPase [nka]) were modulated. Effects of elevated pCO2 on heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) were limited in the present study. Overall, adult L. siliquoidea appeared to regulate factors associated with the control of biomineralization and ion regulation during and/or after the removal of pCO2 exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:538–550. © 2017 SETAC
Formation processes of coastal archaeological sites: A changing prehistoric scenario on the Atlantic shore of Uruguay
Authors: Inda Hugo , del Puerto Laura , Capdepont Irina , Bracco Roberto 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPaleoenvironmental reconstructions coupled with archaeological research are useful tools for discriminating natural versus anthropogenic environmental variability and identifying local environmental responses to global changes and consequent human adaptations. Here we present a multidisciplinary study focused on the identification of drivers and mechanisms that shaped environments along the Uruguay coast and how those environments influenced prehistoric settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, and site formation processes at the archaeological sites of Cape Polonio and Castillos Lagoon. We identify a strong linkage between environmental dynamics and the timing, spatial allocation, and subsistence strategies of prehistoric inhabitants. Human occupation took place in very specific landscape settings where contemporaneous settlements were identified in persistent eolian landscape features. An opportunistic exploitation of more dynamic locations was also identified, where sea‐level shifts created land surfaces preferred by humans. The results of our study represent a useful tool not only for identifying archaeological sites in similar contexts but also for providing insights into how modern coastal populations might adapt to changing environments associated with rising sea level.
Relationship between speaking English as a second language and agitation in people with dementia living in care homes: Results from the MARQUE (Managing Agitation and Raising Quality of life) English national care home survey
Authors: Cooper C. , Rapaport P. , Robertson S. , Marston L. , Barber J. , Manela M. , Livingston G. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveAs not speaking English as a first language may lead to increased difficulties in communication with staff and other residents, we (1) tested our primary hypotheses that care home residents with dementia speaking English as a second language experience more agitation and overall neuropsychiatric symptoms, and (2) explored qualitatively how staff consider that residents' language, ethnicity, and culture might impact on how they manage agitation.MethodsWe interviewed staff, residents with dementia, and their family carers from 86 care homes (2014–2015) about resident's neuropsychiatric symptoms, agitation, life quality, and dementia severity. We qualitatively interviewed 25 staff.ResultsSeventy‐one out of 1420 (5%) of care home residents with dementia interviewed spoke English as a second language. After controlling for dementia severity, age, and sex, and accounting for care home and staff proxy clustering, speaking English as a second language compared with as a first language was associated with significantly higher Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (adjusted difference in means 8.3, 95% confidence interval 4.1 to 12.5) and Neuropsychiatric inventory scores (4.1, 0.65 to 7.5). Staff narratives described how linguistic and culturally isolating being in a care home where no residents or staff share your culture or language could be for people with dementia, and how this sometimes caused or worsened agitation.ConclusionsConsidering a person with dementia's need to be understood when selecting a care home and developing technology resources to enable dementia‐friendly translation services could be important strategies for reducing distress of people with dementia from minority ethnic groups who live in care homes.
Tocilizumab for severe cytokine‐release syndrome after haploidentical donor transplantation in a patient with refractory Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ureshino Hiroshi , Ando Toshihiko , Kizuka Haruna , Kusaba Kana , Sano Haruhiko , Nishioka Atsujiro , Itamura Hidekazu , Shindo Takero , Kubota Yasushi , Kojima Kensuke , Kimura Shinya 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt has been well documented that patients may develop cytokine‐release syndrome (CRS) following the administration of monoclonal antibodies, such as chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T cell. Cytokine‐release syndrome is a common complication in patients who have received haploidentical donor allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo‐HCT). Although severe CRS after haplo‐HCT is a potentially life‐threatening toxicity, a standard treatment has not been established. Cytokine blockade with tocilizumab, an anti‐IL‐6 receptor antibody, has been effective for the treatment of patients with CRS after chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T‐cell treatment and has also improved CRS after haplo‐HCT. A 46‐year‐old man was diagnosed with haemophagocytic syndrome associated with Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Salvage chemotherapy was unsuccessful; consequently, he received haplo‐HCT. On day +4, he developed grade 3 CRS, subsequently high‐dose corticosteroid initiated. Nevertheless, on day +6, he developed grade 4 CRS, resulting in requirement for ventilator support and multiple vasopressors. Corticosteroid could not improve severe CRS; therefore, tocilizumab was administered on day +14. Serum C‐reactive protein level transiently decreased and weaned multiple vasopressors. Although CRS improved, he developed candidaemia; consequently, he died on day +34. Tocilizumab could transiently improve severe CRS after haplo‐HCT. Although tocilizumab may have led to the improvement of CRS, a remaining concern is whether it inhibited the patient's ability to mount antifungal immunity, leading to their demise.
BRINGING OPERATIONAL PERSPECTIVES INTO THE ANALYSIS OF ENGINEERED RESILIENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Sitterle Valerie B. , Brimhall Erika L. , Freeman Dane F. , Balestrini‐Robinson Santiago , Ender Tommer R. , Goerger Simon R. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTEngineered Resilient Systems (ERS) is a Department of Defense (DoD) program focusing on the effective and efficient design and development of complex engineered systems across their lifecycle. An important area of focus is the evaluation of early‐stage design alternatives in terms of their modeled operational performance and characteristics. The work in this paper ties together differentiated operational needs with requirements specification and maturation of previous analytical constructs toward a more operationally relevant viewpoint. We expand on the concept of Broad Utility as a high‐level aggregated measure of robustness of fielded system capabilities with respect to operational requirements. The relation to requirements is more explicit, and systems are failing to achieve threshold requirements are penalized. The impact of this approach and how it offers a foundation from which to more fully explore sensitivity to Pre‐Milestone A requirements are discussed.
AN SOS ANALYTICAL WORKBENCH APPROACH TO ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS AND EVOLUTION
Authors: DeLaurentis Daniel , Davendralingam Navindran , Marais Karen , Guariniello Cesare , Fang Zhemei , Uday Payuna 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThis article summarizes the development of a System of Systems Analytic Workbench (SoS AWB) that provides a set of computational tools to facilitate better‐informed decision‐making on evolving SoS architectures. The workbench motif is adopted since SoS practitioners typically generate archetypal technical queries that can be mapped to appropriate analysis methods best suited to provide outputs and insights directly relevant to posed questions. After an overview of the workbench framework, four distinct methods currently available for use are presented along with their distinctive aspects in the concept of use.
Some new designs with prescribed automorphism groups
Authors: Krčadinac Vedran 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe establish the existence of simple designs with parameters 2‐(55, 10, 4), 3‐(20, 5, 4), 3‐(21, 7, 30), 4‐(15, 5, 2), 4‐(16, 8, 45), 5‐(16, 7, 10), and 5‐(17, 8, 40), which have previously been unknown. For the correspondingt,v, andk, we study the set of all λ for which simplet‐designs exist.
Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori to 16 antibiotics in clinical patients
Authors: Shao Yongfu , Lu Rongdan , Yang Yunben , Xu Qiancheng , Wang Bojun , Ye Guoliang 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundResistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to antibiotics is increasing worldwide. To determine the status of H. pylori resistance and its patterns in clinical patients, an investigation utilizing susceptibility testing for commonly used antibiotics was needed.MethodsTotal of 2283 H. pylori strains were collected from 2013 to 2016. The resistance and its patterns of these strains were tested by agar dilution method. The resistance rate and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) in different gender groups were also analyzed.ResultsThe overall resistance rates were as following: amoxicillin (1.58%), clarithromycin (22.73%), levofloxacin (24.75%), furazolidone (1.49%), doxycycline (9.20%), cefetamet (97.20%), ceftriaxone (49.60%), cefuroxime (25.20%), gentamicin (3.73%), azithromycin (85.60%), rifampicin (2.80%), metronidazole (92.53%), ornidazole (94.27%), tinidazole (87.20%), ciprofloxacin (43.20%), and moxifloxacin (38.53%). There were only 64.08% strains pan‐susceptible to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and furazolidone, followed by mono resistance (23.17%), double resistance (11.13%), triple resistance (1.36%), and quadruple resistance (0.26%). Significant differences in the resistance rate and MIC were also observed in different gender groups.ConclusionAntibiotic resistance trends of H. pylori is increasing in clinical patients. With the increasing resistance, it is imperative to individualized therapy based on the results of drug susceptibility testing.
Differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes in skeletal muscle from cancer patients with cachexia
Authors: Narasimhan Ashok , Greiner Russell , Bathe Oliver F. , Baracos Vickie , Damaraju Sambasivarao 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlternative splicing (AS) is a post‐transcriptional gene regulatory mechanism that contributes to proteome diversity. Aberrant splicing mechanisms contribute to various cancers and muscle‐related conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, dysregulation of AS in cancer cachexia (CC) remains unexplored. Our objectives were (i) to profile alternatively spliced genes (ASGs) on a genome‐wide scale and (ii) to identify differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes (DASGs) associated with CC.MethodsRectus abdominis muscle biopsies obtained from cancer patients were stratified into cachectic cases (n = 21, classified based on International consensus diagnostic framework for CC) and non‐cachectic controls (n = 19, weight stable cancer patients). Human transcriptome array 2.0 was used for profiling ASGs using the total RNA isolated from muscle biopsies. Representative DASG signatures were validated using semi‐quantitative RT–PCR.ResultsWe identified 8960 ASGs, of which 922 DASGs (772 up‐regulated and 150 down‐regulated) were identified at ≥1.4 fold‐change and P < 0.05. Representative DASGs validated by semi‐quantitative RT–PCR confirmed the primary findings from the human transcriptome arrays. Identified DASGs were associated with myogenesis, adipogenesis, protein ubiquitination, and inflammation. Up to 10% of the DASGs exhibited cassette exon (exon included or skipped) as a predominant form of AS event. We also observed other forms of AS events such as intron retention, alternate promoters.ConclusionsOverall, we have, for the first time, conducted global profiling of muscle tissue to identify DASGs associated with CC. The mechanistic roles of the identified DASGs in CC pathophysiology using model systems is warranted, as well as replication of findings in independent cohorts.
Pulmonary ultrasound scoring system for intubated critically ill patients and its association with clinical metrics and mortality: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Tierney David M. , Boland Lori L. , Overgaard Josh D. , Huelster Joshua S. , Jorgenson Ann , Normington James P. , Melamed Roman R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPurposePulmonary ultrasound (PU) examination at the point‐of‐care can rapidly identify the etiology of acute respiratory failure (ARF) and assess treatment response. The often‐subjective classification of PU abnormalities makes it difficult to document change over time and communicate findings across providers. The study goal was to develop a simple, PU scoring system that would allow for standardized documentation, have high interprovider agreement, and correlate with clinical metrics.MethodsIn this prospective study of 250 adults intubated for ARF, a PU examination was performed at intubation, 48‐hours later, and at extubation. A total lung score (TLS) was calculated. Clinical metrics and final diagnosis were extracted from the medical record.ResultsTLS correlated positively with mortality (P = .03), ventilator hours (P = .003), intensive care unit, and hospital length of stay (P = .003, P = .008), and decreasing PaO2/FiO2 (P < .001). Agreement of PU findings was very good (kappa = 0.83). Baseline TLS and subscores differed significantly between ARF categories (nonpulmonary, obstructive, and parenchymal disease).ConclusionsA quick, scored, PU examination was associated with clinical metrics, including mortality among a diverse population of patients intubated for ARF. In addition to diagnostic and prognostic information at the bedside, a standardized and quantifiable approach to PU provides objectivity in serial assessment and may enhance communication of findings between providers.
Current review—The rise of bacteriophage as a unique therapeutic platform in treating peri‐prosthetic joint infections
Authors: Akanda Zarique Z. , Taha Mariam , Abdelbary Hesham 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTPeri‐prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most serious and dreaded complications after total joint replacement (TJR). Due to an aging population and the constant rise in demand for TJR, the incidence of PJI is also increasing. Successful treatment of PJI is challenging and is associated with high failure rates. One of the main causes for treatment failure is bacterial biofilm formation on implant surfaces and the adherence of biofilm bacteria on tissue and bone next to the implant. Biofilms are protective shields to bacterial cells and possess many unique properties that leads to antibiotic resistance. New therapeutic platforms are currently being explored to breakdown biofilm matrix in order to enhance the efficacy of antibiotics. Bacteriophages (phages) is one of these unique therapeutic platforms that can degrade biofilms as well as target the killing of bacterial cells. Preclinical studies of biofilm‐mediated infections have demonstrated the ability of phage to eradicate biofilms and clear infections by working synergistically with antibiotics. There is strong preclinical evidence that phage can reduce the concentration of antibiotics required to treat an infection. These findings support a promising role for phages as a future clinical adjunct to antibiotics. In addition, phage therapy can be personalized to target a specific bacterial strain. Clinical studies using phage therapy are limited in Western literature; but phase I studies have established good safety profile with no adverse outcomes reported. In order to translate phage therapy to treat PJI in clinics, further preclinical testing is still required to study optimal delivery methods as well as the interaction between phage and the immune system in vivo. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1051–1060, 2018.
The role of graphene‐based sorbents in modern sample preparation techniques
Authors: de Toffoli Ana Lúcia , Maciel Edvaldo Vasconcelos Soares , Fumes Bruno Henrique , Lanças Fernando Mauro 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe application of graphene‐based sorbents in sample preparation techniques has increased significantly since 2011. These materials have good physicochemical properties to be used as sorbent and have shown excellent results in different sample preparation techniques. Graphene and its precursor graphene oxide have been considered to be good candidates to improve the extraction and concentration of different classes of target compounds (e.g., parabens, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, pyrethroids, triazines, and so on) present in complex matrices. Its applications have been employed during the analysis of different matrices (e.g., environmental, biological and food). In this review, we highlight the most important characteristics of graphene‐based material, their properties, synthesis routes, and the most important applications in both off‐line and on‐line sample preparation techniques. The discussion of the off‐line approaches includes methods derived from conventional solid‐phase extraction focusing on the miniaturized magnetic and dispersive modes. The modes of microextraction techniques called stir bar sorptive extraction, solid phase microextraction, and microextraction by packed sorbent are discussed. The on‐line approaches focus on the use of graphene‐based material mainly in on‐line solid phase extraction, its variation called in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction, and on‐line microdialysis systems.
Characterization of stress degradation products of amodiaquine dihydrochloride by liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry and prediction of their properties by using ADMET Predictor™
Authors: Dhiman Vivek , Singh Dilip Kumar , Ladumor Mayurbhai Kathadbhai , Singh Saranjit 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe degradation behavior of amodiaquine dihydrochloride, an antimalarial drug, was investigated in solution as well as solid states. The drug was subjected to hydrolytic, photolytic, oxidative, and thermal stress conditions, according to International Conference on Harmonization guideline Q1A(R2). It showed extensive hydrolysis in acidic, alkaline, and neutral solutions both with and without light, while it proved to be stable to thermal and oxidative conditions. In total, six degradation products were formed, which were separated on a C8 column, employing a gradient reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method in which acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium formate (pH 3.0) were used in the mobile phase. To characterize the degradation products, mass fragmentation behavior of the drug was established by direct infusion of solution to quadrupole time‐of‐flight and multiple‐stage mass spectrometry systems. Liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry studies were subsequently carried out on the stressed samples using the same gradient high‐performance liquid chromatography method employed for the separation of the degradation products. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange studies were additionally conducted to determine the number of labile hydrogen atoms. The degradation pathway of the drug was delineated, justified by mechanistic explanation. Lastly, ADMET Predictor™ software was employed to predict relevant physicochemical and toxicity data for the degradation products.
Dietary N‐Glycans from Bovine Lactoferrin and TLR Modulation
Authors: Figueroa‐Lozano Susana , Valk‐Weeber Rivca L. , van Leeuwen Sander S. , Dijkhuizen Lubbert , de Vos Paul 
Published: October 2017

ScopeBovine lactoferrin (bLF) is an ingredient of food supplements and infant formulas given its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. We modified bLF enzymatically to alter its N‐glycosylation and to isolate the glycan chains. The aims of this study include (1) to evaluate whether such derivates induce responses via pattern recognition receptors namely Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and (2) to relate those responses to their different glycosylation profiles.Methods and resultsThe unmodified and modified bLF fractions are incubated with reporter cell lines expressing pattern recognition receptors. Afterwards, we screen for TLRs and analyze for nuclear factor kappa—light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) activation. Activation of reporter cell lines show that signaling is highly dependent on TLRs. The activation pattern of bLF is reduced with the desialylated form and increased with the demannosylated form. In reporter cells for TLR, bLF activate TLR‐4 and inhibit TLR‐3. The isolated glycans from bLF inhibit TLR‐8. TLR‐2, TLR‐5, TLR‐7, and TLR‐9 are not significantly altered.ConclusionThe profile of glycosylation is key for the biological activity of bLF. By understanding how this affects the human defense responses, the bLF glycan profile can be modified to enhance its immunomodulatory effects when used as a dietary ingredient.