bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of heme oxygenase-1 by metalloporphyrins increases anti-viral T cell responses
Authors: Bunse C E , Fortmeier V , Tischer S , Zilian E , Figueiredo C , Witte T , Blasczyk R , Immenschuh S , Eiz-Vesper B 
Published: September 2014

SummaryHeme oxygenase (HO)-1, the inducible isoform of HO, has immunomodulatory functions and is considered a target for therapeutic interventions. In the present study, we investigated whether modulation of HO-1 might have regulatory effects on in-vitro T cell activation. The study examined whether: (i) HO-1 induction by cobalt-protoporphyrin (CoPP) or inhibition by tin-mesoporphyrin (SnMP) can affect expansion and function of virus-specific T cells, (ii) HO-1 modulation might have a functional effect on other cell populations mediating effects on proliferating T cells [e.g. dendritic cells (DCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer cells] and (iii) HO-1-modulated anti-viral T cells might be suitable for adoptive immunotherapy. Inhibition of HO-1 via SnMP in cytomegalovirus (CMV)pp65-peptide-pulsed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) led to increased anti-viral T cell activation and the generation of a higher proportion of effector memory T cells (CD45RA−CD62L−) with increased capability to secrete interferon (IFN)-γ and granzyme B. Treg depletion and SnMP exposure increased the number of anti-viral T cells 15-fold. To test the possibility that HO-1 modulation might be clinically applicable in conformity with good manufacturing practice (GMP), SnMP was tested in isolated anti-viral T cells using the cytokine secretion assay. Compared to control, SnMP treatment resulted in higher cell counts and purity without negative impact on quality and effector function [CD107a, IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were stable]. These results suggest an important role of HO-1 in the modulation of adaptive immune responses. HO-1 inhibition resulted in markedly more effective generation of functionally active T cells suitable for adoptive T cell therapy.
Safety and efficacy of explanting or replacing suprachoroidal electrode arrays in a feline model
Authors: Leung Ronald T , Nayagam David AX , Williams Richard A , Allen Penelope J , Salinas‐La Rosa Cesar M , Luu Chi D , Shivdasani Mohit N , Ayton Lauren N , Basa Meri , Yeoh Jonathan , Saunders Alexia L , Shepherd Robert K , Williams Chris E 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundA key requirement for retinal prostheses is the ability for safe removal or replacement. We examined whether suprachoroidal electrode arrays can be removed or replaced after implantation.MethodsSuprachoroidal electrode arrays were unilaterally implanted into 13 adult felines. After 1 month, arrays were surgically explanted (n = 6), replaced (n = 5) or undisturbed (n = 2). The retina was assessed periodically using fundus photography and optical coherence tomography. Three months after the initial implantation, the function of replaced or undisturbed arrays was assessed by measuring the responses of the visual cortex to retinal electrical stimulation. The histopathology of tissues surrounding the implant was examined.ResultsArray explantation or replacement was successful in all cases. Fundus photography showed localized disruption to the tapetum lucidum near the implant's tip in seven subjects following implantation. Although optical coherence tomography showed localized retinal changes, there were no widespread statistically significant differences in the thickness of the retinal layers or choroid. The distance between the electrodes and retina increased after device replacement but returned to control values within eight weeks (P < 0.03). Staphylomas developed near the scleral wound in five animals after device explantation. Device replacement did not alter the cortical evoked potential threshold. Histopathology showed localized outer nuclear layer thinning, tapetal disruption and pseudo‐rosette formation, but the overall retinal morphology was preserved.ConclusionsIt is feasible to remove or replace conformable medical grade silicone electrode arrays implanted suprachoroidally. The scleral wound requires careful closure to minimize the risk of staphylomas.
Determinants of use of the bronchodilator test in primary and secondary care: results of a national survey in Spain
Authors: Lopez‐Campos Jose Luis , Soriano Joan B. , Calle Myriam ,   3E Project
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsA recent study evaluated the use of spirometry in primary (PC) and secondary care (SC) in Spain. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the determinants of use of the bronchodilator test (BDT) with a special emphasis in the type of drugs used, waiting times and positive test criteria followed.MethodsCross‐sectional trial surveying 605 PC and 200 SC centers in Spain. Regarding the BDT, variables collected were: name of the drugs available for the BDT, name of the drug normally used, number of inhalations, waiting time for the second spirometry, staff involved and criteria used for a positive test. Adherence to actual guidelines according to five quality criteria was evaluated.ResultsAlthough a range of short‐acting bronchodilators were used, only 25.9% of centers used a correct dose. The waiting time was correct in 63.7% and 72.8% of PC and SC, respectively (P = 0.023). A threshold higher than 12% and 200 mL to consider a positive test was fulfilled in 55.8% and 52.8% of PC and SC, respectively. Altogether, only 7.6% of PC and 6.0% of SC fulfilled all five quality criteria. Factors identified to be associated with this fulfillment were the number of spirometries per week, not being conducted by a nurse, periodical retraining, training for interpreting and daily calibration.ConclusionThe present study identifies determinants of the performance of the BDT in Spain identifying strengths and weaknesses. Health managers should use this information to improve the quality of spirometries in chronic respiratory patients.
Exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms and allergy in elite athletes: Allergy and Asthma in Polish Olympic Athletes (A2POLO) project within GA2LEN initiative
Authors: Kurowski Marcin , Jurczyk Janusz , Krysztofiak Hubert , Kowalski Marek L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroductionExercise‐induced respiratory symptoms are often reported by professional athletes, but asthma and allergy are underdiagnosed. Few studies used standardized questionnaires combined with clinical assessment to investigate asthma and allergy among athletes.ObjectivesAssessment of the prevalence of allergy and asthma symptoms among Polish professional athletes and confronting it with clinical data.MethodsTwo hundred twenty‐two Olympic athletes participated in the project being part of the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) Olympic study. Allergy and asthma status was determined using Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA), spirometry, reversibility test, methacholine challenge and skin prick testing. Final diagnosis was established by an allergist.ResultsAt least one exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) symptom was reported by 28.4% athletes, and finally asthma diagnosis was established in 11.3% while only 5.9% of athletes had history of asthma. Reversibility test was positive in 36% of athletes finally diagnosed with asthma. Allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms were reported by 27%, and the diagnosis was confirmed in 21% of athletes while only 9% had previously diagnosed AR. No significant differences in frequency of asthma and AR were observed between endurance and non‐endurance athletes.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms among top athletes is not reflected by asthma diagnosis. As it was expected, our data confirm that – in diagnosis of EIA – lung function testing alone is not useful, whereas reversibility tests are of limited value.
Airway bacterial colonization and serum C‐reactive protein are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation following bronchoscopic lung volume reduction
Authors: Fruchter Oren , Rosengarten Dror , Goldberg Elad , Ben‐Zvi Haim , Tor Ruth , Kramer Mordechai R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroductionStable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients often have lower airway bacterial colonization (ABC) which may modulate exacerbation frequency. Data regarding the association between ABC and post‐procedural COPD exacerbations following bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) are scant.ObjectivesOur aim was to explore the correlation among ABC, serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) level and the risk of COPD exacerbation within a month following BLVR.MethodsPre‐procedure bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) quantitative bacterial cultures and serum levels of CRP were evaluated in severe COPD patients (N = 70, mean FEV1 = 34.6%) before BLVR by polymeric lung sealant.ResultsColonization with potential pathogenic microorganism (PPM) was observed in 40 (57.1%) patients. Out of 28 patients (40%) who had COPD exacerbation within 30 days of BLVR, 23 (82.1%) had PPM in BAL culture compared with only 14 (33.3%) out of 42 patients who had uneventful procedure (P = 0.0027). Serum CRP level was significantly higher in patients with exacerbation compared with those with no exacerbation (mean 47.8 ± 66.0 mg/L vs 13.05 ± 27.7 mg/L, respectively, P = 0.0063). The combination of CRP level above 3.12 mg/L and PPM growth in BAL was observed in 89.2% of patients with exacerbation compared with only 52.3% of patients without exacerbation (P = 0.0031).ConclusionsABC is common in severe COPD patients undergoing BLVR, and along with elevated CRP level both are associated with high risk of immediate post‐procedural COPD exacerbation. These patients should be identified, carefully observed and possibly benefit from prophylactic microbiologically directed antibiotic treatment.
Female‐biased sleeping aggregations of Amegilla florea urens (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Yokoi Tomoyuki , Watanabe Mamoru 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAlthough male bees and wasps aggregate in specific sites overnight, few studies have addressed the behaviors of female hymenopterans during the night. It is generally understood that they spend the night in a burrow or nest structure. We found female‐biased sleeping aggregations of Amegilla florea urens in populations on Iriomote Island. The sex ratio and number of sleeping individuals in the sex‐mixed aggregations changed daily. This species used dead branches as its main sleeping places, and the maximum number of individuals observed per place was 15. Females arrived at the aggregation place later and left it earlier in the morning than did males. Our result suggests that females used the sleeping place regularly but avoided a long stay with males. The use of the same sleeping place by the two sexes may be due to a limited number of sites suitable for sleeping in the forest.
Is coarse woody debris in lakes a refuge or a trap for benthic invertebrates exposed to fish predation?
Authors: Czarnecka Magdalena , Pilotto Francesca , Pusch Martin T. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Coarse woody debris (CWD) in the littoral zone of lakes constitutes a preferred habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish. CWD differs in the surface complexity depending on its decay status. Therefore, CWD may provide distinct types of shelters and thus modify the structure of the macroinvertebrate community as well as its susceptibility to fish predation.

We ran an enclosure experiment in a lake littoral zone to test the effect of surface complexity of CWD on the interactions between the predator, Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) and its potential macroinvertebrate prey. We deployed 10 enclosures containing fresh wood with a smooth surface and 10 enclosures containing decayed wood with a more complex, rough surface and allowed colonisation by macroinvertebrates. Five enclosures of each type were then stocked by perch and exposed to fish predation.

The abundance and biomass of macroinvertebrates were significantly higher on decayed wood with greater surface complexity than on fresh wood; however, the type of CWD did not strongly influence the taxonomic composition and diversity of invertebrates.

The direct effect of perch predation on the macroinvertebrate community was weak. Perch reduced only the abundance of adult Dikerogammarus villosus, while other potential prey, such as chironomids, was more abundant in the presence of the fish. The impact of perch consumption of these larvae was probably obscured by interspecific interactions among chironomids and D. villosus, which were impaired in the fish enclosures.

We found no clear evidence that the influence of perch on macroinvertebrates was mediated by the complexity of the wood surface. However, fish diet analysis showed that on decayed wood, perch preferentially consumed chironomids, and consumption of D. villosus was much lower, while on fresh wood, the preferential consumption of chironomids decreased with increasing consumption of gammarids. This suggests that such differences in fish diet could be an effect of complex interactions between wood microstructure, prey density and its ability to find refuge in CWD.

The effect of CWD microstructure on predator–prey interactions was visible with respect to interspecific relationships between chironomids and gammarids, which on more complex decayed wood were moderated in the absence of perch.
Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic indicator of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with arterial cisplatin plus continuous 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Tajiri Kazuto , Kawai Kengo , Minemura Masami , Yasumura Satoshi , Hosokawa Ayumu , Kawabe Hideto , Tomizawa Gakuto , Sugiyama Toshiro 
Published: September 2014

AimHepatic arterial infusion (HAIC) therapy may be a therapeutic option for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in addition to administration of sorafenib, which is the only currently established standard regimen for this disease. Survival benefit of HAIC has been reported in patients positive for antitumor response. Therefore, the prediction of antitumor response is important in decision‐making for HAIC treatment.MethodsTwenty‐six consecutive patients with advanced HCC treated by HAIC using arterial cisplatin plus continuous 5‐fluorouracil were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was assessed to determine its effectiveness as a prognostic indicator of HAIC.ResultsThe median time to progression and overall survival time (OS) were 5.0 and 17.0 months, respectively. The overall response rate (RR) among the 26 patients was 42.3%, and RR was independent of liver function. Interestingly, RR was significantly lower in patients with NLR of 4 or more (odds ratio, 0.49; P = 0.04). When we investigated factors that influenced OS, treatment effect and NLR of less than 4 were associated with prolonged OS. No serious adverse events were found in treatment with HAIC.ConclusionHAIC is a candidate for treatment of advanced HCC, and NLR may be a useful prognostic indicator for suitability of HAIC.
Efficacy and safety of interferon treatment in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C in Japan: A retrospective study using the Japanese Interferon Database
Authors: Sato Izumi , Shimbo Takuro , Kawasaki Yohei , Mizokami Masashi , Masaki Naohiko 
Published: September 2014

AimAlthough interferon (IFN) treatment in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased with the aging Japanese population, few studies have examined the efficacy and safety of IFN treatment in this population. We investigated the efficacy and safety of IFN treatment in elderly patients with chronic HCV infection using the Japanese Interferon Database.MethodsRecords of IFN treatment in 36 prefectures in Japan from December 2009 to April 2013 were examined. Patients with HCV infection who received IFN treatment were selected. We compared the sustained virological response (SVR) rate and the withdrawal from treatment proportion among elderly patients (≥75 years) with those among younger patients (<65 years, 65–74 years).ResultsWe identified 15 267 patients with chronic HCV infection as the study cohort from the database. Of these, 310 patients were elderly with a mean age of 76.7 ± 1.95 years (2.03%; men, 155; women, 155), and the majority (87%) were treated with pegylated IFN. Lower SVR rates (aged <64 years, 65.3%; aged 65–74 years, 49.6%; aged ≥75 years, 46.5%; P < 0.001) and higher withdrawal from treatment proportions (aged <64 years, 15.0%; aged 65–74 years, 21.5%; aged ≥75 years, 32.4%; P < 0.001) were observed with aging.ConclusionWe conclude that elderly patients with chronic HCV infection taking IFN therapy achieved lower SVR rates and a higher withdrawal from treatment proportion than younger patients.
Improvement of polyphenol properties upon glucosylation in a UV‐induced skin cell ageing model
Authors: Nadim M. , Auriol D. , Lamerant‐FayeL N. , Lefèvre F. , Dubanet L. , Redziniak G. , Kieda C. , Grillon C. 
Published: September 2014

SynopsisObjectivePolyphenols are strong antioxidant molecules allowing prevention of skin photo‐ageing damages, but their use is limited due to low solubility and toxicity towards skin cells. We postulated that enzymatic glucosylation could improve their solubility, stability and, consequently, their efficacy. The aim of this work was to study changes induced by addition of a glucose moiety on two polyphenols displaying very different chemical structures [caffeic acid (CA), epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and there glucosylated form, Glc‐CA and Glc‐EGCG] by assessing their cytotoxic properties and their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities.MethodsTheir antioxidant effect was assessed first by the classical DPPH radical‐scavenging method. Then, a panel of human skin cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells) was used to evaluate their effect on cell toxicity and their antioxidant activities. With this aim, a photo‐ageing model based on UV irradiation of skin cells was established. Molecule activity was assessed on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities and, finally, on inflammatory factor production IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐1β.ResultsIn an acellular model, antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH method was strongly reduced for Glc‐CA compared to CA, whereas it remained the same for Glc‐EGCG compared to EGCG. Glucosylated derivatives did not display more toxic effect on various skin cells. Moreover, toxicity was even strongly reduced for caffeic acid upon glucosylation. The efficacy of glucosyl‐compounds against UV‐induced ROS production was preserved, both with pre‐ and post‐UV treatments. Particularly, a better antioxidant efficacy was shown by Glc‐EGCG, vs. EGCG, on keratinocytes. In addition, an induction of SOD and catalase activity was clearly observed for Glc‐CA. Both glucosyl‐polyphenols display the same activity as their parent molecule in decreasing inflammatory factor production.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that enzymatic glucosylation of CA and EGCG led to an improved or preserved antioxidant activity in a cellular model of UV‐induced skin ageing, despite the decrease in instantaneous antioxidant properties observed for Glc‐CA. Glc‐EGCG is specifically more active on keratinocytes, suggesting a specific targeting. Such glucosylated polyphenols displaying improved physicochemical and biological properties should be better candidates than natural ones for use in food additives and cosmetics.
In‐Situ Reactor Radiation‐Induced Attenuation in Sapphire Optical Fibers
Authors: Petrie Christian M. , Windl Wolfgang , Blue Thomas E. 
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this work was to determine the suitability of using instrumentation utilizing sapphire optical fibers in a nuclear reactor environment. In this work, the broadband (500–2200 nm, or 0.56–2.48 eV) optical transmission in commercially available sapphire optical fibers was monitored in‐situ prior to and during reactor irradiation. The sapphire fibers were irradiated at a neutron flux of 1.5 × 1012 n/(cm2·s) and a gamma dose rate of 75 kGy/h (dose in sapphire) to a total neutron fluence of 1.1 × 1017 n/cm2 and total gamma dose of on the order of 1.5 MGy. Consistent with previous gamma irradiation experiments, an absorption band centered below 500 nm (the minimum measurable wavelength using the measurement system described in this work) and extending as far as ~1000 nm reached saturation during irradiation in the gamma shut‐down field (the gamma‐ray radiation field that is present in the reactor post‐operation, as a consequence of the decay of radioisotopes that were produced during reactor operation) of the reactor prior to reactor irradiation. Beginning reactor irradiation and increasing the reactor power caused rapid increases in attenuation, followed by a linear increase with irradiation time at constant reactor power. Shutting down the reactor caused a decrease in the added attenuation; however, restarting the reactor caused the added attenuation to rapidly return to values almost identical to those observed at the end of the previous irradiation. The decrease in attenuation that was observed after the reactor was shut down shows the importance of the in‐situ nature of the measurements made in this work (previous ex‐situ attenuation measurements could not have captured this effect). A model is proposed for the experimentally obtained values of the radiation‐induced attenuation that involves three previously identified color centers including a composite V‐center, a center, and a center. The model accounts for gamma radiation‐induced ionization of pre‐existing defects, generation of new defects via displacement damage, and conversion between defect centers via ionization and charge recombination.
Integrating NIR Spectroscopy and Electronic Tongue Together with Chemometric Analysis for Accurate Classification of Cocoa Bean Varieties
Authors: Teye Ernest , Huang Xingyi , Takrama Jemmy , Haiyang Gu 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis article examined the potential of sensor fusion of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and electronic tongue (ET) together with multivariate analysis, for the accurate and rapid classification of five cocoa bean varieties. Optimum data extraction was done from each sensor and principal component analysis was used for data fusion by normalization. Support vector machine was used to develop the classification model. The model was optimized by cross‐validation and assessed by the numbers of principal components (PCs) and the classification rate. The single sensors (NIRS and ET) has a classification rate between 83 and 93%, while, data fusion (ET‐NIRS) had a classification rate of 100% at three PCs in both the training and prediction. Comparatively, the data fusion technique was superior to the single techniques. The findings could be exploited for reliable and rapid identification and discrimination of cocoa bean varieties. The study showed its novelty in the possibility of combining ET and NIRS data for accurate classification of cocoa bean varieties.Practical ApplicationCocoa processor will always demand high‐quality cocoa beans and breeders are in the business of releasing new varieties. The analytical methods used to assess and differentiate varieties are cumbersome, time consuming, and require an elaborate sample preparation and chemical usage. Also, single‐sensor technique does not also always provide accurate means to differentiate very similar varieties. This research investigated the feasibility of integrating near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and electronic tongue (ET) together with multivariate calibration analysis for rapid classification of cocoa bean varieties. This research has demonstrated that data fusion of NIRS and ET together with support vector machine could be used to differentiate cocoa bean varieties. These findings would be very useful to cocoa‐producing countries, processors, and quality assurance managers for overcoming mislabeling and adulteration. Breeders can also use this technique for rapid and easy differentiation of cocoa bean varieties to facilitate breeding process