bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration: Yo antibody alters mitochondrial calcium buffering capacity
Authors: Panja D. , Vedeler C. A. , Schubert M. 
Published: April 2018

AimNeurodegeneration is associated with dysfunction of calcium buffering capacity and thereby sustained cellular and mitochondrial calcium overload. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD), characterized by progressive Purkinje neurone degeneration following paraneoplastic Yo antibody internalization and binding to cerebellar degeneration‐related protein CDR2 and CDR2L, has been linked to intracellular calcium homeostasis imbalance due to calbindin D28k malfunction. Therefore, we hypothesized that Yo antibody internalization affects not only calbindin calcium binding capacity, but also calcium‐sensitive mitochondrial‐associated signalling, causing mitochondrial calcium overload and thereby Purkinje neurone death.MethodsImmunohistochemically, we evaluated cerebellar organotypic slice cultures of rat brains after inducing PCD through the application of Yo antibody‐positive PCD patient sera or purified antibodies against CDR2 and CDR2L how pharmacologically biased mitochondrial signalling affected PCD pathology.ResultsWe found that Yo antibody internalization into Purkinje neurons caused depletion of Purkinje neurone calbindin‐immunoreactivity, cannabinoid 1 receptor over‐activation and alterations in the actions of the mitochondria permeability transition pore (MPTP), voltage‐dependent anion channels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCX). The pathological mechanisms caused by Yo antibody binding to CDR2 or CDR2L differed between the two targets. Yo‐CDR2 binding did not alter the mitochondrial calcium retention capacity, cyclophilin D‐independent opening of MPTP or activity of NCX.ConclusionThese findings suggest that minimizing intracellular calcium overload toxicity either directly with cyclosporin‐A or indirectly with cannabidiol or the ROS scavenger butylated hydroxytoluene promotes mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and may therefore be used as future neuroprotective therapy for PCD patients.
Prominent microglial activation in cortical white matter is selectively associated with cortical atrophy in primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Ohm D. T. , Kim G. , Gefen T. , Rademaker A. , Weintraub S. , Bigio E. H. , Mesulam M.‐M. , Rogalski E. , Geula C. 
Published: April 2018

AimsPrimary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical syndrome characterized by selective language impairments associated with focal cortical atrophy favouring the language dominant hemisphere. PPA is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and significant accumulation of activated microglia. Activated microglia can initiate an inflammatory cascade that may contribute to neurodegeneration, but their quantitative distribution in cortical white matter and their relationship with cortical atrophy remain unknown. We investigated white matter activated microglia and their association with grey matter atrophy in 10 PPA cases with either AD or FTLD‐TDP pathology.MethodsActivated microglia were quantified with optical density measures of HLA‐DR immunoreactivity in two regions with peak cortical atrophy, and one nonatrophied region within the language dominant hemisphere of each PPA case. Nonatrophied contralateral homologues of the language dominant regions were examined for hemispheric asymmetry.ResultsQualitatively, greater densities of activated microglia were observed in cortical white matter when compared to grey matter. Quantitative analyses revealed significantly greater densities of activated microglia in the white matter of atrophied regions compared to nonatrophied regions in the language dominant hemisphere (P < 0.05). Atrophied regions of the language dominant hemisphere also showed significantly more activated microglia compared to contralateral homologues (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWhite matter activated microglia accumulate more in atrophied regions in the language dominant hemisphere of PPA. While microglial activation may constitute a response to neurodegenerative processes in white matter, the resultant inflammatory processes may also exacerbate disease progression and contribute to cortical atrophy.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of chronic spontaneous urticaria in pediatric patients
Authors: Balp Maria‐Magdalena , Weller Karsten , Carboni Veruska , Chirilov Alexandra , Papavassilis Charis , Severin Thomas , Tian Haijun , Zuberbier Torsten , Maurer Marcus 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundData on the prevalence and disease management of chronic urticaria (CU) and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in the pediatric population are scarce. This study assessed the prevalence of CU and CSU, and disease management among pediatric patients (0‐17 years).MethodsA physician‐based online survey was conducted in 5 European countries (United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain) assessing the annual diagnosed prevalence, disease characteristics, and treatment patterns in the target population. Results are based on physician responses and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Prevalence estimates were calculated based on the number of CU/CSU pediatric patients diagnosed, seen, and treated by the respondents and extrapolated to the total pediatric population from each country.ResultsAcross 5 European countries, the one‐year diagnosed prevalence of CU and CSU in pediatric patients was 1.38% (95% CI, 0.94‐1.86) and 0.75% (95% CI, 0.44‐1.08), respectively. Angioedema was reported in 6%‐14% of patients. A large proportion of CSU pediatric patients (40%‐60%) were treated with H1‐antihistamines at approved dose and 16%‐51% received H1‐antihistamines at higher doses. Approximately 1/3 of pediatric CSU patients remained uncontrolled with H1‐antihistamines at approved/higher doses. Other prescribed treatments were oral corticosteroids (10%‐28%) and topical creams (15%‐26%).ConclusionsThis study revealed a prevalence of CSU among pediatric population comparable to adults and also suggested an unmet need for approved treatments for inadequately controlled pediatric CSU patients. It is truly of concern that harmful (oral steroids) or insufficient (topical creams) treatments were frequently used despite better and guideline‐recommended alternatives.
Generation of 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine in G‐Quadruplexes Models of Human Telomere Sequences by One‐electron Oxidation
Authors: Merta Tomasz J. , Geacintov Nicholas E. , Shafirovich Vladimir 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe mechanistic aspects of one‐electron oxidation of G‐quadruplexes in the basket (Na+ ions) and hybrid (K+ ions) conformations were investigated by transient absorption laser kinetic spectroscopy and HPLC detection of the 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine (8‐oxoG) oxidation product. The photo‐induced one‐electron abstraction from G‐quadruplexes was initiated by sulfate radical anions (SO4˙−) derived from the photolysis of persulfate ions by 308 nm excimer laser pulses. In neutral aqueous solutions (pH 7.0), the transient absorbance of neutral guanine radicals, G(‐H)˙, is observed following the complete decay of SO4˙− radicals (~10 μs after the actinic laser flash). In both basket and hybrid conformations, the G(‐H)˙ decay is biphasic with one component decaying with a lifetime of ~0.1 ms, and the other with a lifetime of 20–30 ms. The fast decay component (~0.1 ms) in G‐quadruplexes is correlated with the formation of 8‐oxoG lesions. We propose that in G‐quadruplexes, G(‐H)˙ radicals retain radical cation character by sharing the N1‐proton with the O6‐atom of G in the [G˙+: G] Hoogsteen base pair; this [G(‐H)˙: H+G G˙+: G] leads to the hydration of G˙+ radical cation within the millisecond time domain, and is followed by the formation of the 8‐oxoG lesions.
Religion and Partisan‐Ideological Sorting, 1984–2016*
Authors: Davis Nicholas T. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveThis article explores how religion affects the extent to which individuals connect their ideological to partisan identities—a process termed partisan‐ideological sorting.MethodTo explore this relationship, I analyze data from the American National Election Studies (ANES) Time‐Series surveys and the Youth‐Parent Socialization (YPS) panel study.ResultsI find that a matrix of belief, belonging, and behavior constrains the convergence between citizens’ political identities, with one important caveat: evangelical affiliation functions as the primary conduit through which religiosity shapes this sorting. Building on these results, I then estimate the direct impact of religion on sorting over time.ConclusionThese findings show that religion has produced asymmetric sorting in the mass public among persons with right‐leaning identities. Further, they provide a social explanation for partisan‐ideological sorting that complements extant institutional ones.
The influence of mTOR inhibitors on the incidence of CMV infection in high‐risk donor positive–recipient negative (D+/R−) kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Cristelli Marina Pontello , Esmeraldo Ronaldo Matos , Pinto Cahue Motta , Sandes‐Freitas Taina Veras , Felipe Claudia , Lobo Clarissa Ferreira , Viana Laila , Mansur Juliana , Stopa Suelen , Santos Daniel Wagner Castro , Grenzi Patricia Cristina , Aguiar Wilson Ferreira , Tedesco‐Silva Helio , Pestana Jose Osmar Medina 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionSeveral studies and meta‐analysis suggest the mTOR inhibitors are associated with reduced incidence of CMV infection after kidney transplantation, although their effects on the high‐risk population have not been investigated thoroughly.ObjectiveThis retrospective cohort study investigates the association between immunosuppression and CMV infection in D+/R− kidney transplant recipients receiving preemptive therapy.MethodsAll patients received rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, prednisone and azathioprine (AZA), mycophenolate (MPA) or everolimus (EVR).ResultsAmong 89 D+R−, the overall incidence of CMV infection was 76%, with no difference among the groups AZA vs MPA vs EVR (73 vs 83 vs 74%, P = 0.643). CMV infection occurred later (31 in AZA vs 31 in MPA vs 43 days in EVR group, P < 0.001) and showed a lower trend of recurrences (57% in AZA vs 79% in MPA vs 48% in EVR group, P = 0.058) in the everolimus group. There were no differences in the IgG seroconversion rate (82% in AZA vs 76% in MPA vs 72% in EVR group, P = 0.983). There were no differences in the incidence of biopsy‐proven acute rejection (10% in AZA vs 8% in MPA vs 6% in EVR group, P = 0.811) and renal function at 12 months (53.6 in AZA vs 60.3 in MPA vs. 55.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 in EVR group).ConclusionIn this cohort of high‐risk CMV D+/R− kidney transplant recipients receiving rATG induction and tacrolimus, the use of mTOR inhibitors could only show a tendency towards but not a significant difference on the incidence of CMV events, when compared to antimetabolites.
Lomentospora prolificans fungemia in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: First report in South America and literature review
Authors: Penteado Fernando D. , Litvinov Nadia , Sztajnbok Jaques , Thomaz Danilo Y. , dos Santos Antonio M. , Vasconcelos Dewton M. , Motta Adriana L. , Rossi Flávia , Fernandes Juliana F. , Marques Heloisa Helena S. , Benard Gil , de Almeida João N. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLomentospora prolificans is a filamentous fungus and an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised patients. It is encountered most commonly in Australia, Spain, and USA. We described the first case of Lomentospora prolificans fungemia in South America. The patient was a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipient who developed the infection 37 days after stem cells infusion. In addition, we performed a literature review of invasive lomentosporiosis in HSCT patients.
Molecular diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis among transplant candidates
Authors: Paula Fabiana M. , Malta Fernanda M. , Marques Priscilla D. , Melo Gessica B. , Corral Marcelo A. , Gottardi Maiara , Pinho João R. R. , Gonçalves Elenice M. N. , Castilho Vera L. P. , Pierrotti Ligia C. , Abdala Edson , Costa Silvia F. , Chieffi Pedro P. , Gryschek Ronaldo C. B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractStrongyloidiasis can occur without any symptoms or as a potentially fatal hyperinfection or disseminated infection, principally in immunosuppressed patients. Our study aimed to evaluate the application of conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and real‐time PCR (qPCR). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real‐time PCR (qPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene for detection of Strongyloides stercoralis infection among transplant candidates were applied in stool samples obtained from 150 transplant candidates, preliminarily analyzed by parasitological methods. S. stercoralis larvae were visualized in 15/150 (10.0%) transplant candidates by parasitological methods. DNA from S. stercoralis was amplified in 26/150 (17.3%) and 49/150 (32.7%) stool samples of transplant candidates, using cPCR and qPCR, respectively. The results suggest that molecular methods, especially qPCR, should be used as an additional tool for diagnostic of S. stercoralis infection among transplant candidates.
The incidence of tuberculosis infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: A retrospective cohort study from a center in Turkey
Authors: Akı Şahika Zeynep , Sucak Gülsan Türköz , Tunçcan Özlem Güzel , Köktürk Nurdan , Şenol Esin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundImmune‐compromised patients with latent TB infection (LTBI) are at risk for TB reactivation and should receive prophylaxis. Whereas the tuberculin skin test (TST) has limitations particularly in immune‐compromised patients.AimsThis retrospective study was conducted to determine the incidence of TB infection in adult HSCT recipients whose preventive therapy for LTBI was determined according to the guidance of targeted TST.Patients and MethodsFive hundred and fifty‐eight consecutive HSCT recipients (287 autologous and 271 allogeneic) who survived ≥100 days post‐transplantation were included in this analysis.ResultsTuberculin skin test results were available in 493 of 558 transplants (88.3%). The incidence of negative TST was 54.5% (269 of 493 patients). One multiple myeloma patient with a history of TB and negative TST result and was not on INH prophylaxis developed reactivation of TB infection. None of the recipients under INH prophylaxis (151 of 558 transplants; 27.1%) and none of the 224 patients with TST ≥5 mm developed TB infection.DiscussionDespite the limitations of being a retrospective analysis and variable prophylaxis thresholds of TST, there are some remarkable results of this analysis. We had no TB infection in the allogeneic HSCT recipients. The high incidence of negative TST results may be attributed to the underlying immune‐deficiency. TST may not be a reliable guide for predicting TB reactivation risk in hematology patients.ConclusionTuberculin skin test may have a high rate of false‐negative and false‐positive results in HSCT recipients. The general guidelines for targeted TST to guide treatment of LTBI may not apply to all regions and situations. More reliable methods are required to predict and treat LTBI in these specific conditions.
Fungal infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children at a pediatric children’s hospital in Argentina
Authors: Gomez Sergio M. , Caniza Miguela , Fynn Alicira , Vescina Cecilia , Ruiz Clau‐dia , Iglesias Daniela , Sosa Fernanda , Sung Lillian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOur primary objective was to describe the incidence of proven or probable invasive fungal infections (IFIs), a devastating complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), in HCST in a middle‐income country. Secondary objectives were to describe factors associated with IFIs and outcomes. In this single center retrospective study, pediatric patients who underwent a first allogeneic or autologous HSCT from 1998 to 2016 were included. Of the 251 HSCT recipients: 143 transplants were allogeneic and 108 were autologous. Overall, 23 (9%) experienced an IFI, mostly due to yeasts (83%). IFIs were more common in allogeneic HSCT (18/143, 13%) than in autologous HSCT (5/108, 5%; P = .045). Of the 23 patients with IFIs, 14 (61%) died, but only 1 directly from IFI (pulmonary aspergillosis). Overall survival at 3 years was 0.42 ± 0.11 in patients with IFIs and 0.60 ± 0.37 in those without IFIs (P = .049). In Argentina, IFIs during HSCT are common. Recipients of allogeneic HSCT are at higher risk, and IFI is associated with reduced overall survival. Future work should focus on interventions to reduce and improve IFI outcomes in children undergoing transplants in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Review of economic evaluations of teleophthalmology as a screening strategy for chronic eye disease in adults
Authors: Sharafeldin Noha , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Sundaram Aishwarya , Campbell Sandy , Rudnisky Chris , Weis Ezekiel , Tennant Matthew T S , Damji Karim F 
Published: April 2018

Background/aimsTeleophthalmology is well positioned to play a key role in screening of major chronic eye diseases. Economic evaluation of cost-effectiveness of teleophthalmology, however, is lacking. This study provides a systematic review of economic studies of teleophthalmology screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma and macular degeneration.MethodsStructured search of electronic databases and full article review yielded 20 cost-related articles. Sixteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were retained for a narrative review: 12 on DR, 2 on glaucoma and 2 on chronic eye disease.ResultsTeleophthalmology for DR yielded the most cost savings when compared with traditional clinic examination. The study settings varied among urban, rural and remote settings, community, hospital and health mobile units. The most important determinant of cost-effectiveness of teleophthalmology was the prevalence of DR among patients screened, indicating an increase of cost savings with the increase of screening rates. The required patient pool size to be screened varied from 110 to 3500 patients. Other factors potentially influencing cost-effectiveness of teleophthalmology were older patient age, regular screening and full utilisation of the equipment. Teleophthalmology for glaucoma was more cost-effective compared with in-person examination. Similarly, increasing number of glaucoma patients targeted for screening yielded more cost savings.ConclusionsThis economic review provides supportive evidence of cost-effectiveness of teleophthalmology for DR and glaucoma screening potentially increasing screening accessibility especially for rural and remote populations. Special selection of the targeted screening population will optimise the cost-effectiveness of teleophthalmology.
Sex differences in macronutrient intake and adherence to dietary recommendations: findings from the UK Biobank
Authors: Bennett Elizabeth , Peters Sanne A E , Woodward Mark 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo characterise sex differences in macronutrient intakes and adherence to dietary recommendations in the UK Biobank population.DesignCross-sectional population-based study.SettingUK Biobank Resource.Participants210 106 (52.5% women) individuals with data on dietary behaviour.Main outcome measuresWomen-to-men mean differences in nutrient intake in grams and as a percentage of energy and women-to-men ORs in non-adherence, adjusting for age, socioeconomic status and ethnicity.ResultsThere were sex differences in energy intake and distribution. Men had greater intakes of energy and were less likely to have energy intakes above the estimated average requirement compared with women. Small, but significant, sex differences were found in the intakes of all macronutrients. For all macronutrients, men had greater absolute intakes while women had greater intakes as a percentage of energy. Women were more likely to have intakes that exceeded recommendations for total fat, saturated fat and total sugar. Men were less likely to achieve the minimum recommended intakes for protein, polyunsaturated fat and total carbohydrate. Over 95% of men and women were non-adherent to fibre recommendations. Sex differences in dietary intakes were moderated by age and to some extent by socioeconomic status.ConclusionsThere are significant sex differences in adherence to dietary recommendations, particularly for sugar. However, given the increased focus on food groups and dietary patterns for nutritional policy, these differences alone may not be sufficient for policy and health promotion. Future studies that are able to explore the sex differences in intakes of different food groups that are risk factors for diet-related diseases are warranted to improve the current understanding of the differential impact of diet on health in women and men.
A smartphone application for reporting symptoms in adults with cystic fibrosis: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wood Jamie , Jenkins Sue , Putrino David , Mulrennan Siobhain , Morey Sue , Cecins Nola , Hill Kylie 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionIn people with cystic fibrosis (CF), exacerbations have been shown to have profound and prolonged negative effects such as reducing physical activity and health-related quality of life, increasing the rate of decline of lung function and healthcare costs, and ultimately increasing the risk of mortality. Delayed initiation of treatment following the signs of an exacerbation has been shown to be associated with failure to recover to baseline. Therefore, the late identification and treatment of an exacerbation due to delayed presentation will potentially worsen short-term and long-term outcomes. We have developed a smartphone application, containing questions which require yes or no responses relating to symptoms suggestive of a respiratory exacerbation. Its use is intended to facilitate the early identification of symptoms suggestive of a respiratory exacerbation, and allow the CF team to initiate treatment sooner, thereby potentially reducing the risk of severe exacerbations which require intravenous antibiotics (IVAB) and often a hospital admission.MethodsWe will undertake a randomised controlled trial. 60 adults with CF will be recruited and randomised to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group will use the smartphone application weekly for 12 months, or earlier than the next weekly reporting time if they feel their symptoms have worsened. The control group will continue to receive usual care, involving regular (approximately 3 monthly) CF outpatient clinic appointments. The primary outcome measure will be courses and days of IVAB.Ethics and disseminationApproval was obtained from the Sir Charles Gairdner Group Human Research Ethics Committee for WA Health (2015-030) and Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HR212/2015), and has been registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Results of this study will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement.Trial registration numberACTRN12615000599572.