bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress, inflammatory settings, and microRNA regulation in the recurrent implantation failure patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Sheikhansari Golshan , Soltani‐Zangbar Mohammad Sadegh , Pourmoghadam Zahra , Kamrani Amin , Azizi Ramyar , Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Danaii Shahla , Koushaeian Ladan , Hojat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Yousefi Mehdi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProblemIncreased oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory factors in metabolic syndrome (MS) patients are considered as risk factors for recurrent implantation failure (RIF). The aim of this study was to investigate OS markers, inflammatory factors, related microRNAs (miRNA) expression, and cytokine and transcription factors RNA expression.Method of studyWe evaluated the frequency of helper T (Th) 17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) women with or without MS. miRNA expression, an inflammatory cytokine, and transcription factors were measured by real‐time PCR. The level of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL‐2), and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL‐8) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). OS markers were evaluated by spectrophotometric assay. Th17 and Treg cell frequencies were determined by flow cytometry.ResultsThe expression of AP1, NF‐κB, FOXP3, miRNA‐21; serum or plasma level of OS markers (ie, nitric oxide, total oxidant status, and myeloperoxidase); serum level of inflammatory factors (ie, IL1‐β, IL‐6, IL‐17, TNF‐alpha, CXCL‐8, and CCL‐2); and frequency of Th17 cells were increased in RIF‐MS patients in comparison with RIF women without MS (RIF‐NMS) and control group. The expression of miRNA‐223 and 146a, antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and frequency of Treg also declined in RIF‐MS patients.ConclusionOverall, our findings suggest that MS in RIF patients causes increased inflammatory factors and OS, which in turn leads to implantation failure.
Functions of genes related to testicular germ cell tumour development
Authors: Das M. K. , Kleppa L. , Haugen T. B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTesticular germ cell tumour (TGCT) is a malignancy with a high heritable component. The inherited risk is polygenic, and around 50 susceptibility genes are identified. The functional role of the gene products for TGCT development is not well understood. The focus of this review is functional studies of genetic risk factors for TGCT derived from GCNIS and the signalling pathways involved in the pathogenesis.Recent developmentsGenome‐wide association studies have identified new risk loci for TGCT and confirmed previously identified susceptibility genes. Many of these risk genes are related to male germ cell development, sex determination and genomic integrity. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies in animal models and TGCT cell lines, as well as gene and protein expression studies in TGCT patient samples, have contributed to the understanding of TGCT development. KITLG‐KIT signalling is of crucial importance, but several other signal transduction pathways may also play a role. Many of the risk loci are in non‐coding regions, and studies have revealed that non‐coding RNAs may act as oncogenes or tumour suppressors in TGCT development.ConclusionsThe risk of TGCT is polygenic, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are complex. Several signalling pathways are related to TGCT development, and both proteins and non‐coding RNAs may act as oncogenes or tumour suppressors. Epigenetic studies are of importance to get further knowledge about how the signalling pathways are regulated.
Expression of miRNA‐371a‐3p in seminal plasma and ejaculate is associated with sperm concentration
Authors: Radtke A. , Dieckmann K.‐P. , Grobelny F. , Salzbrunn A. , Oing C. , Schulze W. , Belge G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe microRNAs of the miR‐371‐3 cluster are novel serum markers for testicular germ cell tumors. Sporadic reports suggested the expression of this miRNA in semen.ObjectivesTo verify the expression of miR‐371a‐3p in seminal plasma and unprocessed ejaculate; to compare seminal plasma miRNA levels in germ cell tumors patients with those of controls; to look for an association of miRNA levels with semen quality.Materials and methodsThe miR‐371a‐3p expression was analyzed with qPCR. The study population consisted of 100 participants: seminal plasma samples from 20 germ cell tumors patients and 30 controls, serum samples from 12 healthy men, ejaculate samples from 38 men undergoing fertility testing.ResultsThe seminal plasma miR‐371a‐3p levels of germ cell tumors patients were not different from controls. The miRNA expression was very low in serum but much higher in seminal plasma. In ejaculate samples, the miRNA expression significantly correlated with sperm concentration and the total sperm count.DiscussionmiR‐371‐a‐3p is present in sperm‐containing fluids. Seminal plasma levels cannot be used to distinguish germ cell tumors from controls. The correlation with sperm concentration in ejaculate samples suggests the spermatozoa as possible source of miR‐371a‐3p production.ConclusionThe miR‐371a‐3p levels in ejaculate could represent a novel biomarker for the non‐invasive evaluation of male infertility.
Comparison of crossover and parallel‐group designs for the identification of a binary predictive biomarker of the treatment effect
Authors: Grenet Guillaume , Blanc Corentin , Bardel Claire , Gueyffier François , Roy Pascal 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPros and cons of crossover design are well known for estimating the treatment effect compared to parallel‐group design, but remain unclear for identifying and estimating an interaction between a potential biomarker and the treatment effect. Such ‘predictive’ biomarkers, or ‘effect modifiers’, help to predict the response to specific treatments. The purpose of this report was to better characterize the advantages and disadvantages of crossover versus parallel‐group design to identify predictive biomarkers. The treatment effect, the effect of a binary biomarker and their interaction were modelled using a linear model. The intra‐subject correlation in the crossover design was taken into account through an intra‐class correlation coefficient. The variance‐covariance matrix of the parameters was derived and compared. For both trial designs, the variance of the parameter estimating an interaction between the treatment effect and a potential predictive biomarker corresponds to the variance of the parameter estimating the treatment effect, multiplied by the inverse of the frequency of the candidate biomarker. The ratio of the variance of the interaction parameter in the crossover to the variance estimated in the parallel‐group design depends on the complement of the intra‐class correlation coefficient. When planning a clinical trial including a search for candidate biomarker, the frequency of the candidate biomarker helps design the sample size, and the intra‐subject correlation of the outcome should be taken into account for choosing between parallel‐group and crossover designs.
Angioedema Masqueraders
Authors: Fok Jie Shen , Katelaris Constance H 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAngioedema is a common reason for referral to immunology and allergy specialists. Not all cases are in fact angioedema. There are many conditions that may mimic its appearance, resulting in misdiagnosis. This may happen when a clinician is unfamiliar with conditions resembling angioedema or when there is a low index of clinical suspicion. In this article, we explore a list of differential diagnoses based on body parts, including the lips, the limbs, periorbital tissues, the face, epiglottis and uvula, as well as the genitalia, that may pose as a masquerader even to an experienced eye.
Islet–immune interactions in type 1 diabetes: the nexus of beta cell destruction
Authors: Peters L , Posgai A , Brusko T M 
Published: July 2019

SummaryRecent studies in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) support an emerging model of disease pathogenesis that involves intrinsic β-cell fragility combined with defects in both innate and adaptive immune cell regulation. This combination of defects induces systematic changes leading to organ-level atrophy and dysfunction of both the endocrine and exocrine portions of the pancreas, ultimately culminating in insulin deficiency and β-cell destruction. In this review, we discuss the animal model data and human tissue studies that have informed our current understanding of the cross-talk that occurs between β-cells, the resident stroma, and immune cells that potentiate T1D. Specifically, we will review the cellular and molecular signatures emerging from studies on tissues derived from organ procurement programs, focusing on in situ defects occurring within the T1D islet microenvironment, many of which are not yet detectable by standard peripheral blood biomarkers. In addition to improved access to organ donor tissues, various methodological advances, including immune receptor repertoire sequencing and single-cell molecular profiling, are poised to improve our understanding of antigen-specific autoimmunity during disease development. Collectively, the knowledge gains from these studies at the islet–immune interface are enhancing our understanding of T1D heterogeneity, likely to be an essential component for instructing future efforts to develop targeted interventions to restore immune tolerance and preserve β-cell mass and function.
Soft tissue augmentation applying a collagenated porcine dermal matrix during second stage surgery: A prospective multicenter case series
Authors: Fischer Kai R. , Testori Tiziano , Wachtel Hannes , Mühlemann Sven , Happe Arndt , Del Fabbro Massimo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe achievement and preservation of an adequate amount of soft tissue around implants is a critical factor for the prognosis of the treatment.PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of a porcine dermal matrix applied during second stage implant surgery for horizontal soft tissue augmentation and preservation of dimensional stability.Materials and MethodsTwenty patients (mean age 50.2 ± 11.9 [SD] years) candidate to implant therapy and requiring soft tissue augmentation were recruited in four centers. Augmentation was performed in 24 cases. A porcine dermal matrix was placed into a buccal split‐thickness pouch during uncovering surgery. Silicone impressions were taken before surgery (T0), 2 weeks later at suture removal (T2), 6 months (T3), and 24 months (T4) post augmentation. Dimensional changes of soft tissue were evaluated using superimposition of digitalized study casts.ResultsNineteen patients (23 implants) could be evaluated at 6 months and 13 patients (17 implants) at 24 months. After 6‐month follow‐up, there was a significant dimensional gain respect to baseline, averaging 0.83 ± 0.64 mm (P < .01). This did not change significantly at 24 months (0.77 ± 0.65 mm, P = .19). The gain was >0.5 mm in 65.2% and 64.7% of the cases, respectively. Soft tissue shrinkage averaged 34.2% ± 77.0% from T2 to T3 (P < .01) and did not change thereafter (P = .39). Shrinkage was more consistent in the posterior mandible than in the maxilla, but not significantly (P = .23 at 6‐month and .36 at 24‐month). No adverse events occurred.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this prospective case series, the use of a porcine dermal matrix may provide consistent soft tissue augmentation that maintains up to 24‐month follow‐up, although graft shrinkage may occur in the first 6 months, depending on the location of surgery.
Why still in hospital after laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery programme?
Authors: Munk‐Madsen P. , Eriksen J. R. , Kehlet H. , Gögenur I. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimEnhanced recovery after surgery programmes in elective colorectal surgery have been developed and implemented widely, but a subgroup of patients may still require longer hospital stays than expected. The aim of this study was to identify and describe factors compromising early postoperative recovery by asking ‘why is the patient still in hospital today?’ after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery within an enhanced recovery after surgery programme.MethodPatients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection were evaluated postoperatively with predefined potential reasons for still being in hospital. The primary outcome was ‘reason for still being in hospital’ on postoperative day 0–4 and secondarily length of stay with a focus on differences between patients with and without a stoma.ResultsNinety‐six patients having colorectal cancer surgery were included. The median length of stay for the whole group was 3 days (range 1–14). The four dominant causes for patients without a stoma to be in hospital were lack of gastrointestinal function, lack of early mobilization, lack of normal micturition and nausea. Patients with a stoma stayed in hospital due to stoma training, lack of gastrointestinal function, lack of free micturition and a miscellaneous ‘others’ group.ConclusionDelayed gastrointestinal function, insufficient mobilization, poor urinary function and stoma care training have been characterized as dominant compromising factors for postoperative recovery. Together with a focus on frailty, future studies should focus on improving early mobilization, prevention and treatment of postoperative urinary retention and improved stoma care training, in order to minimize delay in postoperative recovery and discharge.
The experiences of parents and caregiver(s) whose child received an organ from a living anonymous liver donor
Authors: Ghent Emily , Robertson Taylor , Young Katarina , DeAngelis Maria , Fecteau Annie , Grant David , Ng Vicky , Anthony Samantha J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundAnonymous living donor transplantation is a potential strategy to address the shortage of available organs for transplant. A living anonymous donor (LAD) is a donor with no biological connection and whose identity is unknown to the recipient. This study captured the lived experiences of pediatric liver transplant recipient families whose child received an organ from a LAD.MethodsQualitative data collection and analysis were guided by a theoretical framework of phenomenology. Data analysis highlighted themes through an inductive process of reviewing transcript paragraphs to code for significant statements that represented key concepts and captured depth of experience.ResultsA total of nine interviews were conducted with 10 participants. Data analysis yielded themes of emotional turbulence through their transplant journey. Pre‐transplant experiences were characterized by feelings of helplessness and desperation. Receiving a LAD transplant prompted shock, relief, and acceptance of the donation. Post‐transplant experiences were characterized by altered life‐perspectives and varied levels of connectedness to the donor, marked by gratitude and concern for donor well‐being.ConclusionAnonymous donation in liver transplantation is perceived by recipient families as a remarkable gift and a viable donor option. Our preliminary findings can be used to inform strategy development regarding future delivery of care.
A study of the relationship between nuclear contour thickening, nuclear enlargement and human papillomavirus infection in squamous cells
Authors: Iijima Junko , Okayama Kaori , Teruya Koji , Hata Hiromi , Shiina Natsuko , Yabusaki Hiromi , Okodo Mitsuaki 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the morphological features of nuclear enlarged cells and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US).MethodsIn total, 128 Papanicolaou specimens comprising 41 ASC‐US cases and 87 NILM cases were examined. Cell morphological analysis was performed using both area ratio (nuclear area in cells with nuclear enlargement/nuclear area in normal intermediate cells) and nuclear contour thickening. High‐risk HPV was detected using the Uniplex E6/E7 polymerase chain reaction assay and logistic regression analyses of factors related to high‐risk HPV infection were performed.ResultsNuclear contour thickening was present in 57.7% (64/111 cells) of high‐risk HPV positive cases and 21.8% (69/317 cells) of high‐risk HPV negative cases. There was a statistically significant association (P = 0.01) between high‐risk HPV infection and nuclear contour thickening. Nuclear contour thickening was approximately one‐third higher in NILM cases than in ASC‐US cases (odds ratio, 0.371; 95% confidence interval, 0.208–0.662) and three times higher in high‐risk HPV‐positive cases than in high‐risk HPV‐negative cases (odds ratio, 2.831; 95% confidence interval, 1.591–5.039).ConclusionOur results suggest that nuclear contour thickening in nuclear enlarged cells in NILM and ASC‐US cases may be a cellular finding associated with HPV infection.
Neighbors, relatives, and friends: Finding constructive approaches to religious others
Authors: Henriksen Jan‐Olav 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe way we approach, describe and interpret the faiths of others impact significantly on the relationship between different religious traditions. This article develops resources from Christian theology to show how it provides important elements for the development of constructive relationships. It also offers some comments on the present proposals put forward by the ELCA. By emphasizing how religious traditions orient and transform believers, it points to how practices can appear as meaningful across traditional borders. To develop constructive relationships with religious others is, fundamentally, a way to practice belief in God as love.
Comorbidity in multiple sclerosis: its temporal relationships with disease onset and dose effect on mortality
Authors: Chou I. J. , Kuo C. F. , Tanasescu R. , Tench C. R. , Tiley C. G. , Constantinescu C. S. , Whitehouse W. P. 
Published: July 2019

Background and purposeWe aimed to determine the burden of comorbidities at the time of diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), the risk of developing new comorbidities after diagnosis and the effect of comorbidities on mortality in patients with MS.MethodsThis study used data from 2526 patients with incident MS and 9980 age‐, sex‐ and physician‐matched controls without MS identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink.ResultsBefore the MS diagnosis, the adjusted odds ratio for the association between MS and a Charlson comorbidity index score of 1–2, 3–4 or ≥5 was 131 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17–1.47], 1.65 (95% CI, 1.20–2.26) or 3.26 (95% CI, 1.58–6.70), respectively. MS was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and neurological/mental diseases. After diagnosis, the adjusted hazard ratio for the association between MS and an increased risk of developing comorbidities was 1.13 (95% CI, 1.00–1.29). The risk of developing any comorbidity in terms of neoplasms, musculoskeletal/connective tissue diseases or neurological/mental diseases was higher in MS. Patients with MS had a higher mortality risk compared with controls, with a hazard ratio of 2.29 (95% CI, 1.81–2.73) after adjusting for comorbidities. There was a dose effect of pre‐existing comorbidities on mortality.ConclusionsPatients with MS have an increased risk of developing multiple comorbidities both before and after diagnosis and pre‐existing comorbidities have an impact on survival.
Statistical Analysis of Area‐wide Alcohol‐related Driving Crashes: A Spatial Econometric Approach
Authors: Saeed Tariq Usman , Nateghi Roshanak , Hall Thomas , Waldorf Brigitte S. 
Published: July 2019

The article analyzes area‐wide alcohol‐related driving crash rates, with an emphasis on neighborhood effects, edge effects, and spatial effects arising from shared roadways that traverse area boundaries. Using township data for the state of Indiana, spatial Durbin models of alcohol‐related driving crash rates are presented. The results suggest that a township's population composition and its abundance of alcohol‐related businesses impact the alcohol‐related driving crash rates. Moreover, positive spatial dependence is found to be highly significant, cautioning against the reliance on possibly biased OLS estimators. Due to restrictions in access to the crash and alcohol‐related businesses data of the neighboring states, an alternative approach is adopted to address the spatial edge effects that may arise from alcohol consumption of residents from the edge areas of the neighboring states (possibly leading to crashes inside the border townships). Given the variation in alcohol laws and regulations across states, an empirical assessment of the edge effects is particularly relevant where some border crossing may be deliberate so as to avoid more stringent alcohol restrictions.
Magic in medieval Venice
Authors: Ryan Michael A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe scholarly investigation of premodern magic has grown significantly over the past quarter of a century. Many studies have focused on learned treatises written and received by members of the intellectual elite in the medieval and early modern eras. The practice and interest in magic, however, cut across all social spectra. One aspect of this premodern interest in the occult that has been neglected in the extant scholarship has been that of the occult in the service of trickery or fraud, whose practitioners used their claims to accessing bodies of privileged knowledge to defraud others. Using the case of an anonymous alchemist, “Cristoforo di Parigi,” purportedly exiled from Venice due to his alchemical practices, I trace the state of the field of studies on fraudulent magic, broadly, and in Venice, specifically. Fourteenth‐ and fifteenth‐century Venice, furthermore, is the perfect site for such an analysis, as magic and its medieval receptivity have not been extensively studied within that specific venue during the Middle Ages.
Calling on Europe? Secessionist Political Parties and Their Communications to the European Union
Authors: Boylan Brandon M. , Turkina Ekaterina 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTo what extent do independence‐seeking political parties across Europe appeal to the European Union (EU)? What accounts for differences in these parties' communication levels? In accordance with the literature, we expect that such parties would bypass their host states and seek support from the EU for their nationalist causes, while the EU itself also offers institutional opportunities further enabling parties to solicit assistance, even if it does not always deliver what these parties want. To explore this argument, we conduct an online search for documents and other texts in which secessionist political parties directly and indirectly appeal to the EU and analyze them with social network tools. The resultant network is characterized by multiple parties communicating to the EU but to different degrees. We also find that moderate political ideology on the left–right spectrum, constituent support, and competition in the secessionist movement positively and significantly correlate with higher intensity of online communication.
Caring for Women Experiencing Breast Engorgement: A Case Report
Authors: Gresh Ashley , Robinson Kelley , Thornton Clifton P. , Plesko Corinne 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBreast engorgement is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful component of the postpartum period. The effective treatment of breast engorgement may provide an avenue for clinicians to improve postpartum care for women and promote breastfeeding. This case report presents one woman's experience with breast engorgement in the early postpartum period. The etiology, evidence‐based practices for treatment, clinical implications, and recommendations for practice are reviewed. The importance of interprofessional care to minimize conflicting information a lactating woman receives is highlighted. Interprofessional teamwork can optimize care to resolve breast engorgement and facilitate a woman achieving her breastfeeding goals.