bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sputum basophils are increased in eosinophilic asthma compared with non‐eosinophilic asthma phenotypes
Authors: Brooks C. R. , van Dalen C. J. , Hermans I. F. , Gibson P. G. , Simpson J. L. , Douwes J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSputum basophil numbers are increased in allergic asthmatics, but it is unclear what role airway basophils play in “TH2‐low” asthma phenotypes. Using flow cytometry, we found that basophils were significantly increased in all asthmatics (n=26) compared with healthy controls (n=8) (P=0.007) with highest levels observed in eosinophilic asthma (EA); median 0.22%, IQR 0.11%‐0.47%; n=14) compared with non‐EA (NEA) (0.06%, 0.00%‐0.20%; n=12; P<0.05). In asthmatics, basophils were positively correlated with sputum eosinophils (r=0.54; P<0.005) and inversely with sputum neutrophils (r=−0.46: P<0.05), but not with FEV1 (% predicted), FEV1/FVC or bronchodilator reversibility. In a subgroup initially identified as inadequately controlled asthma (n=7), there was a trend (P=0.08) towards a reduction in sputum basophils following increased inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment. Our findings suggest that basophils may be particularly important in eosinophilic asthma and that sputum basophil assessment could be a useful additional indicator of “TH2‐high” asthma.
Novel sequence variants in the LIPH and LPAR6 genes underlies autosomal recessive woolly hair/hypotrichosis in consanguineous families
Authors: Ahmad Farooq , Sharif Salma , Furqan Ubaid Muhammad , Shah Khadim , Khan Muhammad Nasim , Umair Muhammad , Azeem Zahid , Ahmad Wasim 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAutosomal‐recessive woolly hair/hypotrichosis (ARWH/H) is a rare genetic disorder of hair caused by variants in the LIPH and LPAR6 genes. The disease is characterized by congenital tightly curled hair leading to sparse hair later in life. In the present report genetic characterization of three consanguineous families of Pakistani origin, displaying clinical features of ARWH/H, was performed. Haplotype and DNA sequence analysis of the LIPH gene revealed a novel homozygous nonsense variant (c.688C > T; p.Gln230*) in family A. In two other families, B and C, sequence analysis of the LPAR6 gene revealed a novel homozygous frameshift variant (c.68_69dupGCAT; p.Phe24Hisfs*29) and a previously reported missense variant (c.188A > T; p.Asp63Val), respectively. Taken together, our findings will expand the spectrum of variants reported in the LIPH and LPAR6 genes.
Early postoperative management after lung transplantation: Results of an international survey
Authors: King Christopher S. , Valentine Vincent , Cattamanchi Ashok , Franco‐Palacios Domingo , Shlobin Oksana A. , Brown A. Whitney , Singh Ramesh , Bogar Linda , Nathan Steven D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionLittle data exist regarding optimal therapeutic strategies postoperatively after lung transplant (LTx). Current practice patterns rely on expert opinion and institutional experience resulting in nonuniform postoperative care. To better define current practice patterns, an international survey of LTx clinicians was conducted.MethodsA 30‐question survey was sent to transplant clinicians via email to the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation open forum mailing list and directly to the chief transplant surgeon and pulmonologist of all LTx centers in the United States.ResultsFifty‐two clinicians representing 10 countries responded to the survey. Sedatives use patterns included: opiates + propofol (57.2%), opiates + dexmedetomidine (18.4%), opiates + intermittent benzodiazepines (14.3%), opiates + continuous benzodiazepines (8.2%), and opiates alone (2%). About 40.4% reported no formal sedation scale was followed and 13.5% of programs had no formal policy on sedation and analgesia. A lung protective strategy was commonly employed, with 13.8%, 51.3%, and 35.9% of respondents using tidal volumes of <6 mL/kg ideal body weight (IBW), 6 mL/kg IBW, and 8 mL/kg IBW, respectively.ConclusionPractice patterns in the early postoperative care of lung transplant recipients differ considerably among centers. Many of the reported practices do not conform to consensus guidelines on management of critically ill patients.
Climate and anthropogenic factors determine site occupancy in Scotland's Northern‐range badger population: implications of context‐dependent responses under environmental change
Authors: Silva André P. , Curveira‐Santos Gonçalo , Kilshaw Kerry , Newman Chris , Macdonald David W. , Simões Luciana G. , Rosalino Luís M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimIn the light of human‐induced rapid environmental change (HIREC), populations are exposed to ever‐greater bioclimatic stress at the edge of a species’ historic range. The distribution dynamics of European badgers (Meles meles) at their southern edge are linked tightly to climatic variability. We contribute critical data on how climatic context and local factors determine site occupancy in a northern‐range population.LocationEleven study areas (averaging ~21.3 km2) spread over ~50,000 km2 in Northern Scotland.MethodsWhile accounting for heterogeneous detectability, we applied single‐season occupancy models to broad‐scale camera‐trapping data (168 stations) to evaluate how Autumn–Winter weather conditions interact with land‐cover type (including agricultural land) and human disturbance to determine badger occupancy.ResultsMean minimum daily winter temperature and elevation influenced inter‐site occupancy. When clustering study areas into two distinct topo‐climatic types, badger occupancy was associated with agriculture in areas with lower mean minimum winter temperatures (<0.3°C) at higher elevation (>246 m). In areas with higher mean minimum winter temperature (>1.2°C) at lower elevation (<133 m), badgers selected sites further away from human infrastructures (settlements and main roads). Climatic factors and human disturbance interact in intricate, context‐dependent patterns to determine badger site occupancy.Main ConclusionsThe UKCP09 Medium Emissions Scenario projects a winter mean minimum temperature increase of between 1 and 3°C (central estimate) for Northern Scotland by the 2050s. Although warmer weather should benefit badger occupancy, this may be counteracted by up to a predicted 5% human population increase in the Scottish highlands, by 2037, which is likely to disturb badgers. We show that even in instances where species’ regional responses to climate change are positive, these effects can be neutralized by other anthropogenic pressures. Our findings add to the growing body of evidence advocating that interactive effects should be taken into account when planning conservation management.
Standardization of endoscopic resection for colorectal tumors larger than 10 mm in diameter
Authors: Oka Shiro , Uraoka Toshio , Tamai Naoto , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Chino Akiko , Okamoto Koichi , Takeuchi Yoji , Imai Kenichiro , Ohata Ken , Shiga Hisashi , Raftopoulos Spiro , Lee Bo‐in , Matsuda Takahisa 
Published: April 2017

Currently, several endoscopic resection (ER) methods for colorectal tumors are available, including polypectomy, conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and modified ER. In the present review, we mainly focus on the current status of ER for colorectal tumors as well as the report from the Endoscopic Forum Japan (EFJ) 2016, which was held in Tokyo in August 2016. The proposed ER methods for colorectal tumors larger than 10 mm in diameter are as follows. (i) Pedunculated‐type tumor is an indication for polypectomy, regardless of size. (ii) Non‐pedunculated‐type tumor larger than 20 mm in diameter is an indication for ESD in which en bloc resection using conventional EMR is difficult or impossible. (iii) Non‐pedunculated‐type tumor from 10 mm to 20 mm in diameter is an indication for conventional EMR. However, ESD or modified ER methods are acceptable according to the procedure and the condition of the tumor.
Efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies in Korea: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Park Chan Hyuk , Park Jung Ho , Nam Eunwoo , Lee Hang Lak 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens may depend on the country where the studies were performed because of the difference in antibiotic resistance. We aimed to analyze the efficacy of H. pylori eradication regimens in Korea where clarithromycin resistance rate is high.MethodsWe searched for all relevant randomized controlled trials published until November 2016 that investigated the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapies in Korea. A network meta‐analysis was performed to calculate the direct and indirect estimates of efficacy among the eradication regimens.ResultsForty‐three studies were identified through a systematic review, of which 34 studies, published since 2005, were included in the meta‐analysis. Among 21 included regimens, quinolone‐containing sequential therapy for 14 days (ST‐Q‐14) showed the highest eradication rate (91.4% [95% confidence interval [CI], 86.9%‐94.4%] in the intention‐to‐treat [ITT] analysis). The eradication rate of the conventional triple therapy for 7 days, standard sequential therapy for 10 days, hybrid therapy for 10‐14 days, and concomitant therapy for 10‐14 days was 71.1% (95% CI, 68.3%‐73.7%), 76.2% (95% CI, 72.8%‐79.3%), 79.4% (95% CI, 75.5%‐82.8%), and 78.3% (95% CI, 75.3%‐80.9%), respectively, in the ITT analysis. In the network meta‐analysis, ST‐Q‐14 showed a better comparative efficacy than the conventional triple therapy, standard sequential therapy, hybrid therapy, and concomitant therapy. In addition, tolerability of ST‐Q‐14 was comparable to those regimens.ConclusionIn Korea, ST‐Q‐14 showed the highest efficacy in terms of eradication and a comparable tolerability, compared to the results reported for the conventional triple therapy, standard sequential therapy, hybrid therapy, and concomitant therapy.
Implementation of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3‐ZnO‐B2O3 based tunable microwave phase shifters in LTCC technology
Authors: Kohler Christian , Nikfalazar Mohammad , Heunisch Andreas , Schulz Bärbel , Mikolajek Morten , Rabe Torsten , Jakoby Rolf , Binder Joachim R. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTunable dielectric Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3‐ZnO‐B2O3 thick‐films were analyzed regarding their integration potential into the LTCC technology. Therefore, tunable loaded line phase shifters based on metal‐insulator‐metal varactors with single‐ and double‐printed BST thick‐films were fabricated and co‐sintered inside a four layer LTCC module. Microstructural and chemical investigations showed a sufficient compatibility and adhesion between the silver, BST composite and LTCC layers and a resulting morphology depending on the processing route. The microwave characterization of the LTCC‐embedded phase shifters revealed comparable results to phase shifters with the same design on alumina substrates.
Rethinking prices during an economic crisis: Calculation as a new mode of consumer behaviour in Russia
Authors: Berdysheva Elena , Romanova Regina 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUsing qualitative data, this study explores Russians’ reactions to increases in consumer prices caused by the current economic crisis. The financial turbulence has reinforced doubts about the fairness of market prices and the overall legitimacy of the market order in Russia. Suspicion and cynicism about the State and seller behaviour become the main mode of price perception, encouraging proactive, calculating price behaviour. Respondents’ narratives reveal that proactive price behaviour is considered to be a sign of social competence, financial independence, and high cognitive capacity. Proactive pricing behaviour allows consumers to use their purchasing power for resistance to market injustice and social insecurity and to increase personal chances for sustainability.
BCG vaccination‐induced suppurative lymphadenitis: four signs to pay attention to
Authors: Baek Sang Oon , Ko Hyo Sun , Han Hyun Ho 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTSuppurative lymphadenitis is one of the severe complication after BCG vaccination, but its diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines have not yet been established. In this article, we describe a case of suppurative lymphadenitis caused by BCG vaccination and propose diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines of the disease. The lymphadenitis was presented as skin involving mass and was completely extirpated. Pathological evaluation revealed a necrotising lymphadenitis, consistent with the diagnosis of BCG lymphadenitis. The patient was administered adjuvant medical treatment with anti‐TB medications (Isoniazid and Rifampicin) for 3 months. At 6 months follow‐up, the disease was in complete remission without complications. We recommend focus on the following four signs when diagnosing BCG lymphadenitis: (i) previous history of vaccination on the ipsilateral side of the lesion, (ii) absence of any other infection signs, (iii) absence of fever and (iv) isolated axillary or supraclavicular/cervical lymph node enlargement proven by ultrasonography or computed tomography scan. BCG vaccination‐induced suppurative lymphadenitis can easily be overlooked, but prompt, accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate surgical resection should result in complete healing as in this case.
The complex relationship between pain intensity and physical functioning in fibromyalgia: the mediating role of depression
Authors: Steiner Jennifer L. , Bigatti Silvia M. , Slaven James E. , Ang Dennis C. 
Published: April 2017

Fibromyalgia (FM) is typically associated with the experience of diffuse pain and physical impairment. Depression also commonly co‐exists in patients with FM and has been correlated with pain intensity and physical functioning. Previous research suggests an association between pain intensity and physical functioning; however, the direct causal relationship between improvements in pain intensity and in functioning is not observed in many FM patients. This may suggest that another factor such as depression is mediating this relationship. The present work examined mediating role of depression. Two hundred sixteen patients with FM completed measures of pain intensity, depression, and physical function as part of a larger longitudinal study. Assessments were completed at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. Longitudinal mediational analyses indicated that depression is a partial mediator of the relationship between pain intensity and physical functioning at all four assessment points. Beta coefficients for the path from pain to physical functioning ranged from 0.18 to 0.36, with attenuated path coefficients ranging 0.03–0.08, still showing significant but decreased associations when depression was added as a mediator. Clinical implication includes the importance of treating comorbid depression in patients with FM early in the course of treatment to prevent engagement in the cycle of disability.
ClassIIIantiarrhythmic drugs amiodarone and dronedarone impairKIR2.1 backward trafficking
Authors: Ji Yuan , Takanari Hiroki , Qile Muge , Nalos Lukas , Houtman Marien J.C. , Romunde Fee L. , Heukers Raimond , van Bergen en Henegouwen Paul M.P. , Vos Marc A. , van der Heyden Marcel A.G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDrug‐induced ion channel trafficking disturbance can cause cardiac arrhythmias. The subcellular level at which drugs interfere in trafficking pathways is largely unknown.KIR2.1 inward rectifier channels, largely responsible for the cardiac inward rectifier current (IK1), are degraded in lysosomes. Amiodarone and dronedarone are classIIIantiarrhythmics. Chronic use of amiodarone, and to a lesser extent dronedarone, causes serious adverse effects to several organs and tissue types, including the heart. Both drugs have been described to interfere in the late‐endosome/lysosome system. Here we defined the potential interference inKIR2.1 backward trafficking by amiodarone and dronedarone. Both drugs inhibitedIK1in isolated rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes at supraclinical doses only. InHK‐KWGFcells, both drugs dose‐ and time‐dependently increasedKIR2.1 expression (2.0 ± 0.2‐fold with amiodarone: 10 μM, 24 hrs; 2.3 ± 0.3‐fold with dronedarone: 5 μM, 24 hrs) and late‐endosomal/lysosomalKIR2.1 accumulation. IncreasedKIR2.1 expression level was also observed in the presence of Nav1.5 co‐expression. AugmentedKIR2.1 protein levels and intracellular accumulation were also observed inCOS‐7,END‐2,MES‐1 andEPI‐7 cells. Both drugs had no effect on Kv11.1 ion channel protein expression levels. Finally, amiodarone (73.3 ± 10.3%P < 0.05 at −120 mV, 5 μM) enhancedIKIR2.1upon 24‐hrs treatment, whereas dronedarone tended to increaseIKIR2.1and it did not reach significance (43.8 ± 5.5%,P = 0.26 at −120 mV; 2 μM). We conclude that chronic amiodarone, and potentially also dronedarone, treatment can result in enhancedIK1by inhibitingKIR2.1 degradation.
Preparation and characterization of starch film accompanied with ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Mirjalili Fatemeh , Yassini Ardekani Ali 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBiodegradable starch‐zinc oxide films were made by casting starch film paste accompanied with ZnO nanoparticles. There was found a dissolving temperature of 60 °C, time of 30 min and the use of different amounts of oils, plasticizers, lubricants and binders presented a homogenous starch paste suitable for film casting to be prepared. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical tests of the films showed a successful incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into the starch matrix, and indicated the interactions between ZnO and starch. The starch‐ZnO films showed an increase in tensile strength about 9.8366 MPa and elongation at break about 94% with 0.7 g nano ZnO, 0.3 g carboxyl methyl cellulose, 0.2 g oil and 1.5 g lubricant with 3 g starch. Moreover, this modified film had the antibacterial properties about 92% and 98% against S. aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial, respectively.Practical applicationsStarch films had good barrier properties to oxygen, carbon dioxide and lipids; while, they limited mechanical properties and water vapor resistance. In the existing study, this problem was overcome by being blended with ZnO nanoparticles and mechanical properties and water resistance increased. The developed films were in hydrophilic character when compared to conventional synthetic films such as PE and PP. Therefore, the advanced films are quite suitable to be used as a carrier polymer matrix for active hydrophilic and compounds in active food packaging applications. An additional potential application of those films existing in this study was used as edible film layer where mechanical and permeability resistance needed.
Family and Other Unpaid Caregivers and Older Adults with and without Dementia and Disability
Authors: Riffin Catherine , Van Ness Peter H. , Wolff Jennifer L. , Fried Terri 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo estimate the number of caregivers providing assistance to community‐dwelling older persons with and without dementia and with or without substantial disability; to describe the characteristics of caregivers and care recipients in these groups; to characterize the health‐related tasks that caregivers provide; and to estimate associations between the numbers of tasks and caregiver burden.DesignNationally representative surveys of caregivers and older adults in the United States.Setting2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling older adults and their family caregivers, who were selected on the basis of having assisted with mobility, self‐care, household activities, transportation, or medical tasks.MeasurementsCaregiver burden (emotional, physical, financial difficulties) and restrictions on social participation.ResultsAlthough much larger proportions of older adults with dementia and disability (98.4%, n = 1.0 million) and dementia but not disability (95.5%, n = 1.3 million) received caregiving assistance, the largest absolute number of individuals receiving assistance were older adults without dementia or disability (4.0 million). Within each caregiver group, caregivers provided assistance with at least one task across domains of activity of daily living and instrumental activity of daily living–related assistance (>98%), health systems logistics (>70%), and health management (>50%). There was a significant linear association between number of tasks provided and risk of burden in virtually all caregiver groups and domains of assistance.ConclusionCaregivers of care recipients without dementia or disability accounted for the largest absolute number of helpers. These caregivers, similar to caregivers of care recipients with dementia or disability, delivered a broad spectrum of health‐related tasks and experienced caregiver burden and restrictions on social participation. Findings support the need for interventions that address the needs of caregivers who have not typically been defined as high risk.
Changes in cIAP2, survivin and BimEL expression characterize the switch from autophagy to apoptosis in prolonged starvation
Authors: Hay‐Koren A. , Bialik S. , Levin‐Salomon V. , Kimchi A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundAutophagy is a catabolic process involving the engulfment of cytoplasmic content within autophagosomes followed by their delivery to lysosomes. This process is a survival mechanism, enabling cells to cope with nutrient deprivation by degradation and recycling of macromolecules. Yet during continued stress such as prolonged starvation, a switch from autophagy to apoptosis is often detected.ObjectiveIn this work, we characterized the temporal dynamics of the transition from autophagy towards apoptosis with the aim of elucidating the molecular mechanism regulating the switch from survival autophagy to apoptotic cell death.Results and ConclusionsWe defined an inverse relationship between apoptosis and autophagy spanning a period of 72 h, manifested by the sequential reduction in LC3 lipidation and the activation of caspase‐3. The transition to apoptosis correlated with a selective decline in the mRNA and protein levels of two anti‐apoptotic IAP family proteins, survivin and cIAP2 and a selective increase in the BH3‐only protein, BimEL. This ‘molecular signature’ was common to several cell lines undergoing the switch from autophagy to apoptosis during prolonged starvation. Mechanistically, the increased BimEL protein levels resulted from its reduced binding to its specific E3 ligase, βTrCP, leading to protein stabilization. Consistent with this, BimEL showed decreased phosphorylation at critical sites previously reported to be essential for binding to the E3 ligase. The decrease in the anti‐apoptotic IAPs and the increase in the pro‐apoptotic BimEL may thus constitute a molecular switch from autophagy to apoptosis during prolonged starvation.