bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclosporine A and IFNγ licencing enhances human mesenchymal stromal cell potency in a humanised mouse model of acute graft versus host disease
Authors: Corbett Jennifer M. , Hawthorne Ian , Dunbar Hazel , Coulter Ivan , Chonghaile Mairead Ni , Flynn Catherine M. , English Karen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImmunosuppressive ability in human MSC donors has been shown to be variable and may be a limiting factor in MSC therapeutic efficacy in vivo. The importance of cytokine activation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to facilitate their immunosuppressive function is well established. This study sought to further understand the interactions between MSCs and the commonly used calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA). The existing literature regarding approaches that use MSCs and cyclosporine are conflicting regarding the effect of CsA on MSC potency and function. Here, we clearly demonstrate that when added at the same time as MSCs, CsA negatively affects MSC suppression of T cell proliferation. However, licencing MSCs with IFNγ before addition of CsA protects MSCs from this negative effect. Notably, adding CsA to MSCs after IFNγ pre-stimulation enhances MSC production of IDO. Mechanistically, we identified that CsA reduces SOCS1 expression to facilitate enhanced IDO production in IFNγ pre-stimulated MSCs. Importantly, CsA exposure to IFNγ pre-stimulated MSC before administration, significantly enhanced the potency of MSCs in a human relevant humanised mouse model of acute Graft versus Host Disease. In summary, this study identified a novel licencing strategy to enhance MSC potency in vitro and in vivo.
Perioperative hemodynamic optimization: from guidelines to implementation—an experts’ opinion paper
Authors: Fellahi Jean-Luc , Futier Emmanuel , Vaisse Camille , Collange Olivier , Huet Olivier , Loriau Jerôme , Gayat Etienne , Tavernier Benoit , Biais Matthieu , Asehnoune Karim , Cholley Bernard , Longrois Dan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDespite a large body of evidence, the implementation of guidelines on hemodynamic optimization and goal-directed therapy remains limited in daily routine practice. To facilitate/accelerate this implementation, a panel of experts in the field proposes an approach based on six relevant questions/answers that are frequently mentioned by clinicians, using a critical appraisal of the literature and a modified Delphi process. The mean arterial pressure is a major determinant of organ perfusion, so that the authors unanimously recommend not to tolerate absolute values below 65 mmHg during surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative organ dysfunction. Despite well-identified limitations, the authors unanimously propose the use of dynamic indices to rationalize fluid therapy in a large number of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, pending the implementation of a “validity criteria checklist” before applying volume expansion. The authors recommend with a good agreement mini- or non-invasive stroke volume/cardiac output monitoring in moderate to high-risk surgical patients to optimize fluid therapy on an individual basis and avoid volume overload. The authors propose to use fluids and vasoconstrictors in combination to achieve optimal blood flow and maintain perfusion pressure above the thresholds considered at risk. Although purchase of disposable sensors and stand-alone monitors will result in additional costs, the authors unanimously acknowledge that there are data strongly suggesting this may be counterbalanced by a sustained reduction in postoperative morbidity and hospital lengths of stay. Beside existing guidelines, knowledge and explicit clinical reasoning tools followed by decision algorithms are mandatory to implement individualized hemodynamic optimization strategies and reduce postoperative morbidity and duration of hospital stay in high-risk surgical patients.
Determination of SLR station coordinates based on LEO, LARES, LAGEOS, and Galileo satellites
Authors: Strugarek Dariusz , Sośnica Krzysztof , Arnold Daniel , Jäggi Adrian , Zajdel Radosław , Bury Grzegorz 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe number of satellites equipped with retroreflectors dedicated to Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) increases simultaneously with the development and invention of the spherical geodetic satellites, low Earth orbiters (LEOs), Galileo and other components of the Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS). SLR and GNSS techniques onboard LEO and GNSS satellites create the possibility of widening the use of SLR observations for deriving SLR station coordinates, which up to now have been typically based on spherical geodetic satellites. We determine SLR station coordinates based on integrated SLR observations to LEOs, spherical geodetic, and GNSS satellites orbiting the Earth at different altitudes, from 330 to 26,210 km. The combination of eight LEOs, LAGEOS-1/2, LARES, and 13 Galileo satellites increased the number of 7-day SLR solutions from 10–20% to even 50%. We discuss the issues of handling of range biases in multi-satellite combinations and the proper solution constraining and weighting. Weighted combination is characterized by a reduction of formal error medians of estimated station coordinates up to 50%, and the reduction of station coordinate residuals. The combination of all satellites with optimum weighting increases the consistency of station coordinates in terms of interquartile ranges by 10% of horizontal components for non-core stations w.r.t LAGEOS-only solutions.
The microbiome’s relationship with congenital heart disease: more than a gut feeling
Authors: Feng Dan , Christensen Jason T. , Yetman Anji T. , Lindsey Merry L. , Singh Amar B. , Salomon Jeffrey D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPatients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for developing intestinal dysbiosis and intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction due to abnormal gut perfusion or hypoxemia in the context of low cardiac output or cyanosis. Intestinal dysbiosis may contribute to systemic inflammation thereby worsening clinical outcomes in this patient population. Despite significant advances in the management and survival of patients with CHD, morbidity remains significant and questions have arisen as to the role of the microbiome in the inflammatory process. Intestinal dysbiosis and barrier dysfunction experienced in this patient population are increasingly implicated in critical illness. This review highlights possible CHD-microbiome interactions, illustrates underlying signaling mechanisms, and discusses future directions and therapeutic translation of the basic research.
Edició de llibres infantils i juvenills a Catalunya (2018-2019): la poesia
Authors: Prats Ripoll Margarida 
Published: April 2021

Els trets més rellevants de l’edició de llibres infantils i juvenils de poesia durant el bienni 2018-2019 són un lleuger augment d’obres publicades, algunes de les quals contenen imatges poètiques que contribueixen a projectar una mirada estètica sobre el món; el manteniment dels creadors del període anterior i alguna nova incorporació, sobretot en el camp de les versions d’altres cultures; la recuperació de dues obres cabdals de la nostra tradició literària; la vitalitat de les col·leccions «Vagó de versos» i «Olívia» de les editorials Andana i El Cep i la Nansa, respectivament, i l’aparició de «Poesia», nova col·lecció de l’editorial Kalandraka. Amb relació a les publicacions per a diverses d’edats lectores, hi ha un augment de llibres adreçats als més petits, i es mantenen les obres per a la resta de lectors i la d’obres interdisciplinàries.
Los gusanos de seda (Bombyx mori) como recurso idóneo para el aprendizaje por indagación en el grado de Educación Infantil
Authors: Torres-Porras Jerónimo 
Published: April 2021

Es necesario fomentar la ciencia en la sociedad actual y para ello se puede y debe comenzar en las primeras etapas educativas. Sin embargo, para que docentes de educación infantil sean capaces de enseñar ciencia haciendo ciencia, deben haberla experimentado en su etapa formativa en la universidad. En este artículo se analiza la idoneidad de utilizar los gusanos de seda como recurso para fomentar la indagación en el grado de Educación Infantil. Se muestra una experiencia en la que el alumnado ha tenido que realizar un estudio científico del ciclo de los gusanos de seda y proponer su aplicación a las aulas de Educación Infantil. Los resultados son muy positivos: el alumnado realizó distintas propuestas de investigación sobre la especie y argumentó que la indagación ha sido muy interesante, que ha aumentado su interés por la ciencia y que utilizaría esta metodología en su futura labor docente.
Determination of reference intervals for knee motor functions specific to patients undergoing knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ito Hideyuki , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Tamari Kotaro , Amano Tetsuya , Tanaka Shigeharu , Uchida Shigehiro , Morikawa Shinya 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIn patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) undergoing knee arthroplasty (KA), lower-limb motor function tests are commonly measured during peri-surgical rehabilitation. To clarify their sources of variation and determine reference intervals (RIs), a multicenter study was performed in Japan.MethodsWe enrolled 545 KOA patients (127 men; 418 women; mean age 74.2 years) who underwent KA and followed a normal recovery course. The surgical modes included total KA (TKA), minimally invasive TKA (MIS-TKA), and unicompartmental KA (UKA). Motor functions measured twice before and two weeks after surgery included timed up-and-go (TUG), maximum walking speed (MWS), extensor and flexor muscle strength (MS), and knee range of motion (ROM). Multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate their sources of variation including sex, age, BMI, and surgical mode. Magnitude of between-subgroup differences was expressed as SD ratio (SDR) based on 3-level nested ANOVA. SDR≥0.4 was set as the threshold for requiring RIs specific for each subgroup.ResultsBefore surgery, age-related changes exceeding the threshold were observed for TUG and MWS. Between-sex difference was noted for extensor and flexor MS, but extension and flexion ROMs were not influenced by sex or age. After surgery, in addition to similar influences of sex and age on test results, surgical modes of UKA and MIS-TKA generally had a favorable influence on MWS, extensor MS, and flexion ROM. All motor function test results showed a variable degree of skewness in distribution, and thus RIs were basically derived by the parametric method after Gaussian transformation of test results.ConclusionsThis is the first study to determine RIs for knee motor functions specific to KOA patients after careful consideration of their sources of variation and distribution shapes. These RIs facilitate objective implementation of peri-surgical rehabilitation and allow detection of patients who deviate from the normal course of recovery.
Surgical outcome and prognostic factors in epilepsy patients with MR-negative focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Seong Min Jae , Choi Su Jung , Joo Eun Yeon , Shon Young-Min , Seo Dae-Won , Hong Seung Bong , Hong Seung Chyul 
Published: April 2021

Objective
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) represents a heterogeneous group of disorders of the cortical formation and is one of the most common causes of epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for detecting structural lesions, and the surgical prognosis in patients with MR lesions is favorable. However, the surgical prognosis of patients with MR-negative FCD is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the long-term surgical outcomes and prognostic factors in MR-negative FCD patients through comprehensive presurgical data.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data from 719 drug-resistant epilepsy patients who underwent resective surgery and selected cases in which surgical specimens were pathologically confirmed as FCD Type I or II. If the epileptogenic focus and surgical specimens were obtained from brain areas with a normal MRI appearance, they were classified as MR-negative FCD. Surgical outcomes were evaluated at 2 and 5 years, and clinical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging data of MR-negative FCD were compared to those of MR-positive FCD.

Results
Finally, 47 MR-negative and 34 MR-positive FCD patients were enrolled in the study. The seizure-free rate after surgery (Engel classification I) at postoperative 2 year was 59.5% and 64.7% in the MR-negative and positive FCD groups, respectively (p = 0.81). This rate decreased to 57.5% and 44.4% in the MR-negative and positive FCD groups (p = 0.43) at postoperative 5 years. MR-negative FCD showed a higher proportion of FCD type I (87.2% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.001) than MR-positive FCD. Unilobar cerebral perfusion distribution (odds ratio, OR 5.41) and concordance of interictal epileptiform discharges (OR 5.10) were significantly associated with good surgical outcomes in MR-negative FCD.

Conclusion
In this study, MR-negative and positive FCD patients had a comparable surgical prognosis, suggesting that comprehensive presurgical evaluations, including multimodal neuroimaging studies, are crucial for obtaining excellent surgical outcomes even in epilepsy patients with MR-negative FCD.
Reliability of left atrial strain reference values: A 3D echocardiographic study
Authors: Nabeshima Yosuke , Kitano Tetsuji , Takeuchi Masaaki 
Published: April 2021

Background
Standard apical four-chamber and two-chamber views often maximize the long-axis of the left ventricle, resulting in artifactitious foreshortening of the left atrium (LA), which may overestimate LA longitudinal reservoir strain (LALS). We compared LALS values between 2D echocardiography (2DE) and 3D echocardiography (3DE) in healthy subjects to determine whether 2DE speckle tracking analysis overestimates the reference value of LALS.

Methods and results
In this study, 4 types of cohorts were included: 1. 105 normal subjects (retrospectively), 2. 53 patients with cardiovascular diseases (retrospectively), 3. 15 patients who received cardiac magnetic resonance (prospectively), and 4. 20 normal subjects (prospectively). LALS and LA length were measured using both 2DE and 3DE in 105 healthy subjects (median age: 42 years). Biplane LALS was measured in apical four- and two-chamber views using 2DE speckle tracking software, and 3DE LALS was measured using new 3DE LA strain software. To determine sensitivity, we also performed the same analysis in 53 patients with cardiovascular disease. The mean value of biplane LALS was 39.6%. LA length at both end-diastole (r = -0.43) and end-systole (r = -0.54) was negatively correlated with biplane LALS. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that both end-diastolic and end-systolic LA length had significant negative relationships with biplane LALS after adjusting for anthropometric and echocardiographic image quality parameters. 3DE LALS (23.7±7.6%) gave significantly lower values than 2DE LALS (39.5±12.0%, p<0.001) with a weak correlation (r = 0.33). LA length measured by 2DE was significantly shorter than that measured by 3DE. The same trend was observed in diseased patients.

Conclusions
Our results revealed that in 2DE, the LA cavity consistently appears longitudinally foreshortened in apical views, potentially overestimating LALS. 3DE may overcome this limitation.
Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii infection in aborted samples of domestic ruminants in Iran
Authors: Mohabati Mobarez Ashraf , Khalili Mohammad , Mostafavi Ehsan , Esmaeili Saber 
Published: April 2021

Background
Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever which is a highly infectious zoonotic disease. C. burnetii has become one of the most important causes of abortion in livestock, which can lead to widespread abortions in these animals. There are very limited studies on the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in cases of animal abortion in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of C. burnetii in ruminant abortion samples in Iran.

Methods
Abortion samples from cattle, sheep and goats were collected from different parts of Iran and were tested using Real-time PCR targeting the IS1111 element of C. burnetii.

Results
In this study, 36 samples (24.7%) of the 146 collected samples were positive for C. burnetii. The prevalence of C. burnetii was 21.3% (20 of 94 samples) in sheep samples. Also, 10 of 46 cattle samples (21.7%) were positive. All six goat abortion samples were positive for C. burnetii.

Conclusions
The findings of the study demonstrate that C. burnetii plays an important role in domestic ruminant abortions in Iran, suggesting that more attention should be paid to the role of C. burnetii in domestic animal abortions by veterinary organizations. The risk of transmitting the infection to humans due to abortion of animals should also be considered.
Thyroid Disease–Induced Hepatic Dysfunction: A Clinical Puzzle
Authors: Anugwom Chimaobi M. , Leventhal Thomas M. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The diagnostic evaluation of an individual with clinical and laboratory evidence of thyroid dysfunction in the setting of acute liver injury is crucial. There is a complex relationship between the thyroid and the liver, and so, it requires a careful elucidation of the inciting disease process before instituting a treatment plan. We discuss a patient who had presented with coagulopathy, encephalopathy, and laboratory evidence of acute liver injury, hence adjudged to have developed drug-induced acute liver failure and transferred for liver transplant evaluation. She was found to have liver dysfunction from uncontrolled thyroid disease, with immediate and rapid improvement after controlling severe hyperthyroidism.
Diagnostic Performance of FibroTouch Ultrasound Attenuation Parameter and Liver Stiffness Measurement in Assessing Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Qu Ying , Song Yan-Yan , Chen Cheng-Wei , Fu Qing-Chun , Shi Jun-Ping , Xu Yun , Xie Qing , Yang Yong-Feng , Zhou Yong-Jian , Li Liang-Ping , Xu Ming-Yi , Cai Xiao-Bo , Zhang Qi-Di , Yu Hao , Fan Jian-Gao , Lu Lun-Gen 
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION:
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound attenuation parameter (UAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by FibroTouch for diagnosis of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS:
We recruited 237 patients undergoing FibroTouch and liver biopsy within 2 weeks. The pathological findings of liver biopsy were scored by Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network, and the diagnostic accuracy of UAP for steatosis and LSM for fibrosis was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The impacts of histological parameters on UAP and LSM were analyzed, and diagnostic performance of FibroTouch UAP and LSM was compared with other noninvasive biomarkers.

RESULTS:
The success rate of FibroTouch examination was 96.51%. The AUROC of UAP for diagnosis of steatosis ≥S1, ≥S2, and S3 was 0.88, 0.93, and 0.88, and the cutoff values were 244, 269, and 296 dB/m, respectively. The AUROC of LSM for the diagnosis of fibrosis stages ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 was 0.71, 0.71, and 0.77, and the cutoff values were 9.4, 9.4, and 11 kPa, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that LSM was positively correlated with degree of fibrosis and NAFLD activity score. UAP was positively correlated with liver steatosis. The diagnostic performance of UAP for steatosis was significantly superior to that of the hepatic steatosis index.

DISCUSSION:
FibroTouch has a low failure rate with moderate to high diagnostic performance for discriminating the steatosis degree and fibrosis stage and is suitable for clinical evaluation and monitoring of patients with NAFLD.
Ileal Crohn's Disease Exhibits Similar Transmural Fibrosis Irrespective of Phenotype
Authors: Tavares de Sousa Helena , Gullo Irene , Castelli Claudia , Dias Cláudia Camila , Rieder Florian , Carneiro Fátima , Magro Fernando 
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION:
In Crohn's disease (CD), the assessment of transmural inflammation and fibrosis is of utmost importance. This study aimed to quantify these parameters in CD ileal specimens and correlate them with disease progression.

METHODS:
This is a retrospective unicentric study based on the analysis of archived specimens (n = 103) of primary ileal resection. Data were retrieved from a prospective national inflammatory bowel disease registry. Two pathologists, blinded for CD phenotype and clinical indications for surgery, examined 3 sections per patient and graded inflammation and fibrosis, based on a histopathological score.

RESULTS:
Penetrating (B3, n = 74) CD exhibited significantly higher inflammation in diseased areas, compared with stricturing (B2, n = 29) disease (score 3: 96% vs 76%, P = 0.005 in inflamed areas; 78% vs 55%, P = 0.019 in most affected areas). This was also observed for the comparison of B2 CD with B3 CD with (B3s, n = 54) and without associated stricture (B3o, n = 20): B3s vs B2: 81% vs 55%, P = 0.033 in most affected areas; B3o vs B2: 100% vs 76%, P = 0.006 in inflamed areas; 70% vs 55%, P = 0.039 in most affected areas. We could not show differences in fibrosis scores between the subphenotypes. Postoperative new penetrating events occurred only in B3s (n = 6, 11%, P = 0.043) patients. The changing of biologic therapy after surgery correlated with severe inflammation at the proximal ileal margin (55% changed vs 25% not changed, P = 0.035).

DISCUSSION:
In our cohort, fibrosis scores and fibromuscular changes were comparable, irrespective of CD phenotype. Inflammation severity was the major differentiator between penetrating and stricturing disease.

JOURNAL/cltg/04.03/01720094-202104000-00012/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T212642Z/r/image-tiff
Vulnerabilidad administrativa del Estado hondureño en situaciones de emergencia con la habilitación de las contrataciones directas durante la pandemia del COVID -19
Authors: Paz Macias Jenssy Carolina 
Published: April 2021

En esta investigación se presenta un análisis jurídico desde la visión del Derecho Administrativo relacionado con los actos ejecutados por funcionarios públicos en aplicación de la normativa vigente respecto al estado de emergencia, cuya experiencia ha dejado ver la vulnerabilidad administrativa del Estado hondureño en la contratación directa en la que se visibiliza inexperiencia, falta de controles fiscales antes y durante las contrataciones, así como negligencia jurídica de los actores señalados en ley que deben actuar en los procesos de aprobación y desembolso de los capitales nacionales, observando acciones a posteriori a las contrataciones directas que facilitaron el incumplimiento del control fiscal, las cuales han generado confusión y cuestionamientos en la agenda pública, por considerar una inversión multimillonaria, insegura, dudosa con la falta de garantías visibles de aseguramiento de los fondos pagados a terceros. El análisis jurídico conlleva la identificación y descripción de las debilidades de la normativa vigente hondureña y las recomendaciones para su reforma y creación de leyes especiales complementarias, que le garanticen al pueblo hondureño un mejor manejo de los recursos financieros frente a fenómenos de la magnitud de los efectos del Covid 19.