bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FTY720 (fingolimod) treatment tips the balance towards less immunogenic antigen-presenting cells in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Luessi Felix , Kraus Stefan , Trinschek Bettina , Lerch Steffen , Ploen Robert , Paterka Magdalena , Roberg Torsten , Poisa-Beiro Laura , Klotz Luisa , Wiendl Heinz , Bopp Tobias , Jonuleit Helmut , Jolivel Valérie , Zipp Frauke , Witsch Esther 
Published: March 2015

Objective: We aimed to clarify whether fingolimod has direct effects on antigen-presenting cells in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: Frequency and phenotype of directly ex vivo dendritic cells and monocytes were analyzed in 43 individuals, including fingolimod-treated and untreated multiple sclerosis patients as well as healthy subjects. These cells were further stimulated with lipopolysaccharide to determine functional effects of fingolimod treatment. Results: Absolute numbers of CD1c+ dendritic cells and monocytes were not significantly reduced in fingolimod-treated patients indicating that fingolimod did not block the migration of antigen-presenting cells to peripheral blood. CD86 was upregulated on CD1c+ dendritic cells and thus their activation was not impaired under fingolimod treatment. Quantitative analyses of gene transcription in cells and protein content in supernatants from ex vivo CD1c+ dendritic cells and monocytes, however, showed lower secretion of TNFα, IL1-β and IL-6 upon lipopolysaccharide-stimulation. These results could be matched with CD4+MOG-specific transgenic T cells exhibiting reduced levels of TNFα and IFN-γ but not IL-4 upon stimulation with murine dendritic cells loaded with MOG, when treated with fingolimod. Conclusions: Our data indicate that fingolimod – apart from trapping lymphocytes in lymph nodes – exerts its disease-modulating activity by rebalancing the immune tolerance networks by modulation of antigen-presenting cells.
Ethnicity differences in breast cancer stage at the time of diagnosis in norway
Authors: Latif F. , Helgeland J. , Bukholm G. , Bukholm I. R. K. 
Published: February 2015

Background and aims: Several studies have demonstrated that breast cancer survival rates differ with ethnicity. Most of these studies analyzed discrepancies between African-American and Caucasian-American women and were performed in the United States. There are increasing concerns about differences in breast cancer survival among immigrants from Asia and Africa living in Europe, including those living in Scandinavian countries. There are few data on breast cancer survival in relation to race or ethnicity in Scandinavian countries, even though immigrants from Asia and Africa have lived in Scandinavian countries for decades. The aim of this study was to identify variations in breast cancer incidence, treatment modalities, relapse, and survival among women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia compared to ethnic Norwegian women. Material and methods: The incidence, treatment modalities, relapse, and survival of breast cancer were analyzed in women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia in a nation-based study over a period of 7 years. Results for women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia were compared with those from a group of ethnic Norwegian women during the same period. In our study, 63 patients from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia were diagnosed with breast cancer during the period 2002–2009 in Norway. Results and conclusion: Comparison between women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia and ethnic women from Norway revealed significant differences in cancer stage at the time of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, type of surgical treatment, and relapse and breast cancer mortality rates. The findings of this study demonstrate that the outcome after a breast cancer diagnosis is significantly worse for women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia than for ethnic Norwegian women. In addition, the mean age at the breast cancer diagnosis was lower for women from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Somalia, especially those from Sri Lanka and Somalia, than for ethnic Norwegian women.
Phytochemical and in vitro and in vivo biological investigation on the antihypertensive activity of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: Ronchi Silas Nascimento , Brasil Girlandia Alexandre , do Nascimento Andrews Marques , de Lima Ewelyne Miranda , Scherer Rodrigo , Costa Helber B. , Romão Wanderson , Boëchat Giovanna Assis Pereira , Lenz Dominik , Fronza Marcio , Bissoli Nazaré Souza , Endringer Denise Coutinho , de Andrade Tadeu Uggere 
Published: February 2015

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the antihypertensive effect of leaves Mangifera indica L. using in vitro and in vivo assays. Methodology: The ethanol extract of leaves of M. indica was fractionated to dichloromethanic, n-butyl alcohol and aqueous fractions. The chemical composition of ethanolic extract and dichloromethanic fraction were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated in the DPPH scavenging activity assay. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was investigated using in vitro and in vivo assays. The chronic antihypertensive assay was performed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar rats treated with enalapril (10 mg/kg), dichloromethanic fraction (100 mg/kg; twice a day) or vehicle control for 30 days. The baroreflex sensitivity was evaluated through the use of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine. Cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by morphometric analysis. Results: The dichloromethanic fraction exhibited the highest flavonoid, total phenolic content and high antioxidant activity. Dichloromethanic fraction elicited ACE inhibitory activity in vitro (99 ± 8%) similar to captopril. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of ferulic acid (48.3 ± 0.04 µg/g) caffeic acid (159.8 ± 0.02 µg/g), gallic acid (142.5 ± 0.03 µg/g), apigenin (11.0 ± 0.01 µg/g) and quercetin (203.3 ± 0.05 µg/g). The chronic antihypertensive effects elicited by dichloromethanic fraction were similar to those of enalapril, and the baroreflex sensitivity was normalized in SHR. Plasma ACE activity and cardiac hypertrophy were comparable with animals treated with enalapril. Conclusions: Dichloromethanic fraction of M. indica presented an antihypertensive effect, most likely by ACE inhibition, with benefits in baroreflex sensitivity and cardiac hypertrophy. Altogether, the results of the present study suggest that the dichloromethanic fraction of M. indica leaves may have potential as a promoting antihypertensive agent.
Thyroid hormonal status among children with obesity
Authors: Ghergherehchi Robabeh , Hazhir Nazanin 
Published: February 2015

Background: It is presumed that free T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are related to obesity, but the findings are inconsistent. In this study we evaluated T4 and TSH concentrations between normal children and those with obesity and possible correlations between body mass index (BMI) and these markers. Methods: In this prospective study, 190 children who were overweight and obese and 133 children without obesity of the same age and sex were evaluated. Thyroid function tests (TSH, total T4, free T4 and free T3) were measured in all subjects in both groups. Thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin) were determined among those with elevated TSH levels. Results: Levels of TSH and total T4 were significantly higher in children with obesity compared with the control group. Subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher in children with obesity (14.7%) compared with normal subjects (6.8%, p = 0.02). Among children with obesity and increased TSH levels, 10.7% had positive thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies. There was significantly positive correlation between BMI z score and TSH level ( r = 0.198, p < 0.001) and T4 level ( r = 0.18, p = 0.001). Conclusion: TSH and total T4 levels are increased in children who are overweight or obese and are a common finding in these children, but the incidence of thyroid antibodies is low in these patients and so could not be accounted for by thyroid autoimmunity. Due to these findings it is possible that increased TSH and total T4 levels are a consequence of obesity and could be reduced by decreasing BMI.
Nonconvulsive seizures and status epilepticus in pediatric head trauma: A national survey
Authors: Hansen Gregory , Joffe Ari R , Bowman Stephen M , Richer Lawrence 
Published: February 2015

Objectives: It remains uncertain whether nonconvulsive seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus in pediatric traumatic brain injury are deleterious to the brain and/or impact the recovery from injury. Consequently, optimal electroencephalographic surveillance and management is unknown. We aimed to determine specialists’ opinion regarding the detection and treatment of nonconvulsive seizures or nonconvulsive status epilepticus in pediatric traumatic brain injury, regardless of their practice. Methods: In 2012, 183 surveys were sent to all 93 neurologists, 27 neurosurgeons, and 63 intensivists in the14 tertiary pediatric hospitals across Canada. The survey included an initial scenario of pediatric TBI that evolved into three further scenarios. Each scenario had required responses and an embedded branching logic algorithm ascertaining clinical management. The survey instrument assimilated data about the importance of nonconvulsive status epilepticus and nonconvulsive seizures detection and treatment, and whether they are a cause of brain injury that adversely affects neurologic outcomes. Results: Of the 79 specialists who replied (43% response rate), 68%–78% elected to order an electroencephalographic across all four scenarios, and one-third (31%–36%; scenario dependent) would request an urgent electroencephalographic (within the hour) in the comatose pediatric traumatic brain injury patient. In the absence of pharmacologic paralysis or intracranial pressure spikes, half-hour electroencephalographic (41%–55%) was preferred over ⩾24-h continuous electroencephalographic monitoring (29%–40%). Finally, nonconvulsive status epilepticus (81%–87%) and nonconvulsive seizures (61%–73%) were considered to be a cause of poor neurologic outcomes warranting aggressive pharmacologic management. Conclusion: The Canadian specialists’ opinion is that nonconvulsive seizures and nonconvulsive status epilepticus are biomarkers of brain injury and contribute to worsened outcomes. This suggests the urgency of future outcome-oriented research in the identification and management of nonconvulsive seizures or nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
‘Croque&bouge’: A feasible and acceptable programme for obesity prevention in preschoolers at risk and their parents
Authors: Bucher Della Torre Sophie , Dudley-Martin Fiona , Kruseman Maaike 
Published: February 2015

Objectives: To conceptualize and pilot test a programme of three workshops aiming to prevent the development of overweight in susceptible preschool children. Methods: Three workshops were conducted, targeting both parents and children. The curriculum for parents included discussions on feeding responsibilities, healthy eating, taste development, neophobia and physical activity recommendations. Children participated in various play activities with fruits and vegetables and read stories about hunger and satiety feelings. Recruitment was organized through paediatricians and child-care centres. Evaluation of the programme focused on feasibility, adequacy for children’s age, parents’ perception of impact and, for children, change of the ability to recognize and willingness to taste fruits and vegetables. Results: A total of 21 children and one of their parents participated in the programme. The programme was found to be feasible and adequate for the targeted community. Parents reported perceiving a positive impact of the intervention; however, this finding was not statistically significant. The major difficulty was identifying and recruiting families and engaging the parents in a discussion about weight. Conclusions: This short programme aiming to improve parents’ ability to offer healthy environment and promote healthy eating behaviour was feasible and acceptable for families with young children. When developing and implementing such programmes, close collaboration with paediatricians and other health providers should be sought in order to identify and reach children at risk of obesity and their family.
Ag nanoparticles-decorated ZnO nanorod array on a mechanical flexible substrate with enhanced optical and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Chen Yi , Tse Wai Hei , Chen Longyan , Zhang Jin 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Heteronanostructured zinc oxide nanorod (ZnO NR) array are vertically grown on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through a hydrothermal method followed by an in situ deposition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through a photoreduction process. The Ag-ZnO heterostructured nanorods on PDMS are measured with an average diameter of 160 nm and an average length of 2 μm. ZnO NRs measured by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) shows highly crystalline with a lattice fringe of 0.255 nm, which corresponds to the (0002) planes in ZnO crystal lattice. The average diameter of the Ag NPs in situ deposited on the ZnO NRs is estimated at 22 ± 2 nm. As compared to the bare ZnO NRs, the heterostructured Ag-ZnO nanorod array shows enhanced ultraviolet (UV) absorption at 440 nm, and significant emission in the visible region (λem = 542 nm). In addition, the antimicrobial efficiency of Ag-ZnO heterostructured nanorod array shows obvious improvement as compared to bare ZnO nanorod array. The cytotoxicity of ZnO nanorod array with and without Ag NPs was studied by using 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. No significant toxic effect is imposed on the cells.
Enhanced performance of photonic crystal GaN light-emitting diodes with graphene transparent electrodes
Authors: Ge Hai-Liang , Xu Chen , Xu Kun , Xun Meng , Wang Jun , Liu Jie 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The two-dimensional (2D) triangle lattice air hole photonic crystal (PC) GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LED) with double-layer graphene transparent electrodes (DGTE) have been produced. The current spreading effect of the double-layer graphene (GR) on the surface of the PC structure of the LED has been researched. Specially, we found that the part of the graphene suspending over the air hole of the PC structure was of much higher conductivity, which reduced the average sheet resistance of the graphene transparent conducting electrode and improved the current spreading of the PC LED. Therefore, the work voltage of the DGTE-PC LED was obviously decreased, and the output power was greatly enhanced. The COMSOL software was used to simulate the current density distribution of the samples. The results show that the etching of PC structure results in the degradation of the current spreading and that the graphene transparent conducting electrode can offer an uniform current spreading in the DGTE-PC LED.

PACS: 85.60.Jb; 68.65.Pq; 42.70.Qs
Self-alignment of silver nanoparticles in highly ordered 2D arrays
Authors: Rodríguez-León Ericka , Íñiguez-Palomares Ramón , Urrutia-Bañuelos Efraín , Herrera-Urbina Ronaldo , Tánori Judith , Maldonado Amir 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
We have synthesized silver nanoparticles in the non-polar phase of non-aqueous microemulsions. The nanocrystals have been grown by reducing silver ions in the microemulsion cylindrical micelles formed by the reducing agent (ethylene glycol). By a careful deposit of the microemulsion phase on a substrate, the micelles align in a hexagonal geometry, thus forming a 2D array of parallel strings of individual silver nanoparticles on the substrate. The microemulsions are the ternary system of anionic surfactant, non-polar solvent (isooctane), and solvent polar (ethylene glycol); the size of synthesized nanoparticles is about 7 nm and they are monodisperse. The study of the microstructure was realized by transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution technique transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Fourier processing using the software Digital Micrograph for the determination of the crystalline structure of the HR-TEM images of the nanocrystals; chemical composition was determined using the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Addition technique polarizing light microscopy allowed the observation of the hexagonal phase of the system. This method of synthesis and self-alignment could be useful for the preparation of patterned materials at the nanometer scale.
Blind identification of code word length for non-binary error-correcting codes in noisy transmission
Authors: Zrelli Yasamine , Gautier Roland , Rannou Eric , Marazin Mélanie , Radoi Emanuel 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In cognitive radio context, the parameters of coding schemes are unknown at the receiver. The design of an intelligent receiver is then essential to blindly identify these parameters from the received data. The blind identification of code word length has already been extensively studied in the case of binary error-correcting codes. Here, we are interested in non-binary codes where a noisy transmission environment is considered. To deal with the blind identification problem of code word length, we propose a technique based on the Gauss-Jordan elimination in GF(q) (Galois field), with q=2
m
, where m is the number of bits per symbol. This proposed technique is based on the information provided by the arithmetic mean of the number of zeros in each column of these matrices. The robustness of our technique is studied for different code parameters and over different Galois fields.
Can donepezil facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation in difficult to wean patients? An interventional pilot study
Authors: Abbasi Saeed , Farsaei Shadi , Fazel Kamran , Golzari Samad EJ , Mahmoodpoor Ata 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background
Management of difficult to wean patients is a dilemma for health care system. Recently published studies demonstrated efficacy of donepezil to counteract respiratory depression in sleep apnea. However, to the best of our knowledge, pharmaceutical interventions with donepezil to facilitate weaning have not been tested so far. Therefore in the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of using donepezil on weaning course in difficult to wean patients.

Methods
In this non-randomized interventional clinical study, difficult to wean patients with prior inappropriately depressed respiratory responses were included from two referral intensive care units (ICU) in Iran. Patients with another potentially reasons of weaning failure were excluded from the study. Donepezil was started for eligible patients at dose of 10 mg daily for 2–4 weeks. For the primary outcomes, arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters were also measured before and after intervention to evaluate the possible effects of donepezil on them. In addition, weaning outcomes of patients were reported as final outcome in response to this intervention.

Results
Twelve out of 16 studied patients experienced successful results to facilitate weaning with donepezil intervention. The mean duration of donepezil treatment until outcome measurement was 12 days. There were not any significant differences in ABG parameters among patients with successful and failed weaning trial on day of donepezil initiation. However after donepezil intervention, mean of PCO2 and HCO3 decreased in patients with successful weaning trial and mean of PCO2 increased in those with weaning failure.

Conclusions
Reduced central respiratory drive was infrequently reason of failed weaning attempts but it must be considered especially in patients with hypercapnia secondary to inefficient gas exchange and slow breathing. Our results in the clinical setting suggest that, the use of donepezil can expedite weaning presumably by stimulation of respiratory center and obviate the need to re-intubation in cases of respiratory drive problem in difficult to wean patients. We suggest decrease PCO2 and HCO3 during donepezil steady could be valuable predictors for positive response to donepezil intervention.
Molecular simulation on carbon dioxide fixation routes towards synthesis of precursors for innovative urethanes
Authors: Carrillo Beber Vinicius , Taveira Caleiro Lucas , Rossi de Aguiar Kelen , Joswig Jan-Ole , Pereira Rodrigues Filho Ubirajara , Noeske Paul-Ludwig Michael , Rischka Klaus , Leite Cavalcanti Welchy 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Classical molecular dynamics were carried out in order to obtain insights into proper conditions to perform chemical fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2) with epoxide molecules into cyclic carbonates. Two different molecules containing epoxide groups were investigated: 1,2–Epoxybutane (EB), called linear aliphatic epoxide molecule, and 3-Ethyl-7-oxabicyclo(4.1.0)heptane (EC), called cycloaliphatic epoxide molecule. The reaction systems involving carbon dioxide additionally were catalyzed by tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB). The dynamics of the molecular groups were studied by taking into account known reaction mechanisms to investigate whether the optimal reaction conditions were observed.
Radial distribution functions and self-diffusion coefficients were calculated and revealed that in case of the systems with cycloaliphatic epoxide groups as reagent the CO2 molecules were located far away from the agglomerate formed by the dispersed tetraethylammonium bromide catalyst and epoxide groups (EC), and they do not present enough mobility to overcome the long distances to react. Additionally, it was observed that, in the case of the linear aliphatic epoxide groups (EB), the dynamics of the groups tends to facilitate the reaction mechanisms by presenting a considerable amount of available CO2 molecules in the neighborhood of the epoxy rings. Thus, via the Molecular Dynamics insights, the systems containing linear aliphatic epoxide groups presented a much more accessible condition for the subsequent reaction steps of the carbon dioxide fixation to occur as compared to systems containing cycloaliphatic epoxide groups. The simulation results are in agreement with the experimental findings, which showed via infrared spectroscopy the successful conversion of epoxy rings from linear aliphatic epoxide molecules into five-membered cyclic carbonates after reacting with carbon dioxide.