bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased natural killer cell subsets with inhibitory cytokines and inhibitory surface receptors in patients with recurrent miscarriage and decreased or normal subsets in kidney transplant recipients late post-transplant
Authors: Zhu L , Aly M , Wang H , Karakizlis H , Weimer R , Morath C , Kuon R J , Toth B , Ekpoom N , Opelz G , Daniel V 
Published: April 2018

Summary
Patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM) show up-regulated cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells that are suspected to play a causal role in abortion. In the present study, we investigated counter-regulating inhibitory mechanisms and compared the results in RM patients with those of healthy controls (HC), patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplant recipients late post-transplant (TX). NK, NK T and T cell subsets were analysed in the peripheral blood of 31 RM, 14 female ESRD and nine female TX patients as well as 21 female HC using eight-colour fluorescence flow cytometry. Compared with HC, RM patients showed significantly higher absolute numbers of CD56+ NK cells co-expressing the phenotype interferon (IFN)-γR+, IL-4+, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β+, IL-4+ human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR)+, TGF-β+HLA-DR+, IL-4+TGF-β+, IL-4+TGF-β−, IFN-γ+ and/or IL-10−IFN-γ+ (all P ≤ 0·01), more IL-17+CD56bright (P = 0·028) NK cells and more CD56dimCD16+ NK cells co-expressing IFN-γR, IFN-γ, IL-4 and/or TGF-β (all P ≤ 0·01). When the same cell subsets were analysed in ESRD or TX patients, cytokine-producing NK cell subsets were not significantly different from those of HC. RM patients showed significantly higher absolute numbers of CD158a+, CD158b+, CD158a−CD158e+ (all P &lt; 0·05), NKG2D+NKG2A+, NKG2D +NKG2A−, NKG2D+ and/or NKG2A+ (all P ≤ 0·01) CD56+ NK cells and higher CD158a+, CD158b+ (all P &lt; 0·05), NKG2D+ and/or NKG2A+ (all P &lt; 0·01) CD56dim+CD16+ NK cells than HC. In contrast, ESRD patients had normal and TX recipients had lower CD158a+ and NKG2D+NKG2A−CD56+ NK cells and lower CD158a+CD56dim+CD16+ NK cells (all P &lt; 0·05) than HC. RM patients have abnormally high circulating NK cells expressing inhibitory cytokines and inhibitory surface receptors which might contribute to the pathogenesis of RM.
Urogenital function 3 years after abdominoperineal excision for rectal cancer
Authors: Ledebo A. , Bock D. , Prytz M. , Haglind E. , Angenete E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore urogenital dysfunction and associated risk factors after treatment of rectal cancer, in a large national cohort of patients 3 years after abdominoperineal excision, and to compare outcomes with a reference population and a cohort of patients operated for prostate cancer.MethodPatients treated with abdominoperineal excision in 2007–2009 were identified using the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. All consenting patients received a questionnaire. A sample of the Swedish population was contacted and completed a questionnaire. Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy in a prospective multicentre trial received questionnaires 24 months after surgery.ResultsIn the abdominoperineal excision, reference and radical prostatectomy populations 72%, 51% and 91% of the questionnaires were returned. Within the abdominoperineal excision group 36% of the men and 57% of the women were incontinent postoperatively. Fifteen per cent and 37% of men and women in the reference group were incontinent. Two years after radical prostatectomy 49% were incontinent. Seventy‐four per cent of the men had erectile dysfunction after abdominoperineal excision. Nineteen per cent of the women experienced reduced ability to reach orgasm. Fewer men and women experienced their present sex life as satisfying after abdominoperineal excision for rectal cancer compared with the reference population.ConclusionA large proportion of patients endure persistent urogenital dysfunction after abdominoperineal excision for rectal cancer as do men after radical prostatectomy. Effects on sexual and urinary function should be part of preoperative information and after surgery patients should be asked about function in order to identify those in need of further assistance.
New insights in the use of pleural ultrasonography for diagnosis and treatment of pleural disease
Authors: Marchetti Giampietro , Arondi Sabrina , Baglivo Francesca , Lonni Sara , Quadri Federico , Valsecchi Alberto , Venturoli Nicola , Ceruti Paolo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe use of transthoracic ultrasound (US) has acquired a wide consensus among respiratory physicians during the last few years. The development of portable devices promotes patient's bedside evaluation providing rapid, real‐time and low‐cost diagnostic information. The different acoustic impedance between different tissues and organs produces artifacts known as A lines, B lines, sliding sign, lung point, etc. The identification of such artifacts is essential to discriminate normal pleural appearance from the presence of pleural effusion, pneumothorax, thickenings and tumors. Ultrasounds are also a valuable tool during interventional procedures, such as thoracentesis, chest tube insertion and transcutaneous biopsy. Its use is recommended before medical thoracoscopy in order to assess the best site of trocar insertion according to presence, quantity and characteristics of pleural effusion. The aim of this review is to provide practical tips on chest ultrasound in clinical and interventional respiratory practice.
Sequential bacterial sampling of the midline incision in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy
Authors: Isgren C. M. , Salem S. E. , Townsend N. B. , Timofte D. , Maddox T. W. , Archer D. C. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundThere is limited information about bacterial isolates that are present on the equine midline incision during and following exploratory laparotomy.ObjectivesTo investigate the bacterial species cultured from the ventral midline pre‐, intra‐ and post‐ laparotomy, whether particular bacterial isolates are associated with the development of surgical site infections (SSIs) and to report the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of these isolates.Study designProspective cohort study.MethodsThe ventral midline of 31 horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy was sampled for bacterial culture at set time‐points pre, intra and post‐operatively. Inclusion criteria were that horses must have undergone exploratory laparotomy within 90 min of the initial colic examination upon hospital admission and must not have been placed in a stable prior to surgery.SSIwas defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision of >24 h duration.ResultsSeven horses (22.6%) developed aSSI. None of the variables tested were associated with the altered risk ofSSI. The prevalence of a positive bacterial culture from the incision increased progressively over time and a variety of bacteria were isolated. A positive intra‐operative culture was not a predictor ofSSI; and when aSSIdid occur, it was due to a different bacterial isolate.MRSAandESBL‐producers were identified in the post‐operative period in one and four different horses respectively, but none of these developed aSSI.Main limitationsSampling was limited to hospitalisation and no culture results were available for horses developingSSIfollowing hospital discharge.ConclusionsA variety of bacterial species may be isolated from equine laparotomy incisions peri‐operatively without development ofSSI.SSIdoes not appear to be solely related to bacterial contamination of the incision peri‐operatively and other mechanisms such as bacteraemia merit further investigation.
Validity and application of immunoturbidimetric and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for the measurement of adiponectin concentration in ponies
Authors: Menzies‐Gow N. J. , Knowles E. J. , Rogers I. , Rendle D. I. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundCirculating adiponectin concentrations were lower in ponies with a history of endocrinopathic laminitis and in nonlaminitic ponies that subsequently developed laminitis. The assays used in these studies have been discontinued or are no longer valid.Objectives(1) to determine the validity of immunoturbidimetric (IT) and enzyme linkedimmunosorbent (ELISA) assays for equine total and high molecular weight (HMW) [adiponectin] measurement and (2) to investigate the association between [adiponectin] measured using these assays and endocrinopathic laminitis.Study designMethod validation and cohort study.MethodsAccuracy and precision of IT and ELISA assays for measuring total (TAC) and HMW (HMWAC) [adiponectin] were determined. Using the IT assay, the effects of anti‐coagulant and storage temperature were assessed, TAC was measured in previously laminitic (PL) and never laminitic (NL) ponies (n = 6/group). Comparison with a previously validated radioimmunoassay was made in NL ponies (n = 223). Association between TAC and subsequent laminitis development in NL ponies was investigated using univariable logistic regression and ROC curve analysis.ResultsThe IT assay was precise and demonstrated good agreement with the previously validated radioimmunoassay. TAC was significantly (P<0.01) lower in PL (mean ± s.d. 8.9 ± 2.9 μg/mL) compared to NL (24.2 ± 11.8 μg/mL) ponies and in NL ponies that developed laminitis within 12 months (median 4.8 μg/mL; IQR 2.65–13.4 μg/mL) compared to those that remained nonlaminitic (19.9 μg/mL; 9.95–31.5 μg/mL). TAC was significantly (P = 0.01) associated with laminitis occurrence within 12 months. Use of the area under the ROC curve to distinguish animals that did and did not develop laminitis showed good accuracy (0.76). None of the ELISA methods validated satisfactorily.Main limitationsLaminitis risk is based on data from ponies in one region.ConclusionsThe IT method is suitable for measurement of equine TAC. TAC is lower in ponies with previous or future laminitis. The ELISA methods are not suitable for measurement of equine HMWAC or TAC.
The development of hoof balance and landing preference in the post‐natal period
Authors: Gorissen B. M. C. , Serra Bragança F. M. , Wolschrijn C. F. , Back W. , van Weeren P. R. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundFoals can follow the herd within hours of birth, but it has been shown that kinetic gait parameters and static balance still have to mature. However, development of dynamic balance has not been investigated.ObjectivesTo objectively quantify landing and pressure pattern dynamics under the hoof during the first half year of life.Study designProspective, cohort study performed at a single stud farm.MethodsPressure plate measurements at walk and trot from ten Dutch warmblood foals during the first 24 weeks of life were used to quantify toe‐heel and medial‐lateral hoof balance asymmetry indexes and to determine preferred landing strategy. Concurrently, radiographs of the tarsocrural and femoropatellar joints were taken at 4–6 weeks and after 6 months to check for osteochondrosis. A linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of time point, limb pair (front/hind), side (left/right) and osteochondrosis status of every foal.ResultsAt 25% of stance duration at walk, front limbs were more loaded in the heel region in weeks 6–20 (P≤0.04), the medial‐lateral balance was more to the lateral side from week 6 onwards at both walk and trot (P≤0.04). Landing preference gradually changed in the same directions. Variability in pressure distribution decreased over time. (Subclinical) osteochondrosis did not influence any of the measured parameters.Main limitationsThis study is limited by the relatively small sample size only containing one breed from a single stud farm.ConclusionsDynamic hoof balance in new‐born foals is more variable and less oriented towards the lateral side of the hoof and to the heel than in mature horses. This pattern changes gradually during the first weeks of life. Knowledge of this process is essential for the clinician when considering interventions in this area in early life.
Inherited epidermolysis bullosa: New diagnostics and new clinical phenotypes
Authors: Has Cristina , Fischer Judith 
Published: April 2018

AbstractInherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of heterogeneous genetic disorders characterized by skin fragility. EB comprises a large spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from severe cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement caused by lack of key adhesion proteins, to mild cutaneous fragility caused by subtle molecular defects. Disease‐causing variants in 20 different genes account for the genetic and allelic heterogeneity of EB. Here, we discuss the development of laboratory methods that enabled these discoveries and the clinical and molecular features of some new EB entities elucidated during the past 5‐6 years.
Novel quantitative assessment system of liver steatosis using a newly developed attenuation measurement method
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Koizumi Yohei , Hirooka Masashi , Yada Norihisa , Takada Hitomi , Nakashima Osamu , Kudo Masatoshi , Hiasa Yoichi , Izumi Namiki 
Published: April 2018

AimThe present study has developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a new echo attenuation measurement function combined with an ultrasonic diagnostic system for the accurate diagnosis of liver steatosis.MethodsA multicenter prospective study involving patients with chronic hepatitis was carried out. All patients underwent liver biopsy, and attenuation coefficient (ATT) was measured on the same day. The fat area (%) of biopsy specimens was quantitatively evaluated. Correlations between ATT, steatosis grade, and fat area were evaluated.ResultsA total of 351 patients were enrolled in this study. The median values of fat area for steatosis grades S0, S1, S2, and S3 were 0.6%, 3.2%, 6.4%, and 15.5%, respectively. A significant correlation was found between fat area and steatosis grade (P < 0.001). Similarly, the median values of ATT for steatosis grades S0, S1, S2, and S3 were 0.55, 0.63, 0.69, and 0.85 dB/cm/MHz, respectively, and ATT increased with an increase in the steatosis grade (P < 0.001). Attenuation coefficient was significantly correlated with fat area (r = 0.50, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve corresponding to S ≥ 1, S ≥ 2, and S ≥ 3 were 0.79, 0.87, and 0.96, respectively. Similarly, the sensitivity and specificity of S ≥ 1, S ≥ 2, and S ≥ 3 were 72%, 82%, and 87% and 72%, 82%, and 89%, respectively.ConclusionsThe newly developed ATT measurement for evaluation of liver steatosis was closely correlated with steatosis grade and automated quantification of fat area, and it provides clinically relevant information.
Flavour binding mechanism between a typical meat flavour compound (nonanal) and porcine myofibrillar proteins with consideration of conformational changes
Authors: Han Yurui , Shen Hui , Zhao Mouming , Sun Weizheng 
Published: April 2018

SummaryFlavour binding or release behaviour from the meat matrix is very important for its sensory properties. The interaction between flavour substance (nonanal) and myofibrillar proteins (MPs) was investigated using protein fluorescence quenching at different temperatures. The results suggested that nonanal caused the fluorescence quenching mechanism of MPs combining dynamic and static quenching mode, and dynamic quenching played a dominant role. Nonanal mainly combined with tryptophan residues rather than tyrosine residues. The results of synchronous fluorescence spectra and circular dichroism (CD) revealed that the interaction between nonanal and MPs induced no significant conformational changes in MPs. The binding constant (K) and number of binding sites (n) (1.45–2.03) increased with temperature. The negative value of ∆G (−383.16 kJ mol−1 to −397.30 kJ mol−1) showed that the interaction of nonanal and MPs was spontaneous. The positive ∆H (180.18 kJ mol−1, 181.48 kJ mol−1) and ∆S (696.17 J mol−1 K−1, 688.32 J mol−1 K−1) indicated that the binding of nonanal to MPs driven by hydrophobic force.
Electrochemical synthesis of bismuth molybdates with controllable composition and their photocatalytic performance
Authors: Qian Bei , Li Xuyun , Song Zuwei 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBismuth molybdate photocatalysts were controllably prepared via an electrochemical approach at room temperature. The composition and optical property of each product were determined according to the NaOH and Na2MoO4 quantities in the electrolyte. Pure Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 was prepared at a NaOH concentration range of 0.2‐0.8 mol L−1, whereas the Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55/Bi14MoO24 composite was obtained in an electrolyte containing 0.4 mol L−1 NaOH and 0.5 mol L−1 Na2MoO4. The results of rhodamine B degradation under visible light indicated that Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55 nanoparticles with a size of 10‐50 nm displayed the best photocatalytic efficiency, which was considerably higher than that of composite one and bulk Bi3.64Mo0.36O6.55.
Limbal niche cells are a potent resource of adult mesenchymal progenitors
Authors: Guo Ping , Sun Hong , Zhang Yuan , Tighe Sean , Chen Shuangling , Su Chen‐Wei , Liu Yongsong , Zhao Hongxia , Hu Min , Zhu Yingting 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLimbal niche cells located in the limbal Palisades of Vogt are mesenchymal stem cells that reside next to limbal basal epithelial cells. Limbal niche cells are progenitors that express embryonic stem cell markers such as Nanog, Nestin, Oct4, Rex1, Sox2 and SSEA4, mesenchymal cell markers such as CD73, CD90 and CD105, and angiogenesis markers such as Flk‐1, CD31, CD34, VWF, PDGFRβ and α‐SMA, but negative for CD45. In addition, the stemness of limbal niche cells can be maintained during their cell culture in a three‐dimension environment. Furthermore, expanded limbal niche cells have the capability to undergo adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and endogenesis in vitro, indicating that they are in fact a valuable resource of adult progenitors. Furthermore studies on how the limbal niche cells regulate the aforementioned stemness and corneal fate decision are warranted, as those investigations will shed new light on how mesenchymal progenitors reverse limbal stem cell deficiency and lead to new methods for limbal niche cell treatment.
Ecological and demographic correlates of cooperation from individual to budding dispersal
Authors: Rodrigues António M. M. , Taylor Tiffany B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIdentifying the ecological and demographic factors that promote the evolution of cooperation is a major challenge for evolutionary biologists. Explanations for the adaptive evolution of cooperation seek to determine which factors make reproduction in cooperative groups more favourable than independent breeding or other selfish strategies. A vast majority of the hypotheses posit that cooperative groups emerge in the context of philopatry, high costs of dispersal, high population density and environmental stability. This route to cooperation, however, fails to explain a growing body of empirical evidence in which cooperation is not associated with one or more of these predictors. We propose an alternative evolutionary path towards the emergence of cooperation that accounts for the disparities observed in the current literature. We find that when dispersal is mediated by a group mode of dispersal, commonly termed budding dispersal, our mathematical model reveals an association between cooperation and immigration, lower costs of dispersal, low population density and environmental variability. Furthermore, by studying the continuum from the individual to the partial and full budding mode of dispersal, we can explicitly explain why the correlates of cooperation change under budding. This enables us to outline a general model for the evolution of cooperation that accounts for a substantial amount of empirical evidence. Our results suggest that natural selection may have favoured two major contrasting pathways for the evolution of cooperation depending on a set of key ecological and demographic factors.
Prehospital emergency care nurses’ strategies while caring for patients with limited Swedish–English proficiency
Authors: Alm‐Pfrunder Annika B , Falk Ann‐Charlotte , Vicente Veronica , Lindström Veronica 
Published: April 2018

Aims and objectivesTo explore the strategies of nurses working in the ambulance service while caring for patients with limited Swedish–English proficiency.BackgroundCommunication difficulties due to lack of mutual language is a challenge in healthcare systems around the world. Little is known about nurses’ strategies while caring for patients with whom they do not share a mutual language in an unstructured, unplanned prehospital emergency environment, the ambulance service.Design and MethodA qualitative study design based on interviews was used, and a purposeful sample and snowball technique were used to identify nurses with prehospital emergency experience of caring for patients with limited Swedish–English proficiency.ResultsEleven nurses were interviewed, and the main strategy they used was adapting to the patients’ need and the caring situation. The nurses used their own body, and tone of voice for creating a sense of trust and security. The nurses also used structured assessment in accordance with medical guidelines. Translation devices and relatives/bystanders were used as interpreters when possible. Another strategy was to transport the patient directly to the emergency department as they had not found a secure way of assessing and caring for the patients in the ambulance.ConclusionThe nurses used a palette of strategies while assessing and caring for patients when there was no mutual language between the caregiver and care seeker.Relevance to clinical practiceThe nurses need to be prepared for how to assess and care for patients when there is a lack of mutual language; otherwise, there is a risk of increased unequal care in the ambulance service. To further explore and learn about this field of research, studies exploring the patients’ perspective are needed.
Application of instant messaging software in the follow‐up of patients using peritoneal dialysis, a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cao Fang , Li Lanfei , Lin Miao , Lin Qinyu , Ruan Yiping , Hong Fuyuan 
Published: April 2018

Aims and objectivesThis study aims to investigate the application value of Internet‐based instant messaging software in the follow‐up of patients using peritoneal dialysis.BackgroundPeritoneal dialysis is an effective renal replacement treatment for end‐stage renal disease. The clinical usefulness of Internet‐based instant messaging software in the follow‐up of peritoneal dialysis patients, including the incidence of peritonitis and exit‐site infection, the levels of albumin and electrolytes and the degree of patients’ satisfaction, remains unknown.DesignBetween January 2009–April 2016, a total of 160 patients underwent continuous peritoneal dialysis in the Department of Nephrology, Fujian Provincial Hospital were invited to participate voluntarily in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to the instant messenger (QQ) follow‐up group (n = 80) and the traditional follow‐up group (n = 80). The differences in death, hospitalisation, peritonitis, exit‐site infection, and patients’ satisfaction were investigated during 1 year of follow‐up. The mean follow‐up duration is 11.4 ± 1.5 months.ResultsCompared with the patients in the traditional follow‐up group, patients in the QQ follow‐up group showed higher levels of serum albumin (p = .009) and haemoglobin (p = .009), lower levels of phosphorus (p < .001) and calcium‐phosphorus product (p = .001), and better degree of satisfaction (p < .001).Relevance to clinical practiceInternet‐based follow‐up by instant messaging software appears to be a feasible and acceptable method of delivering peritoneal dialysis treatment for patients with end‐stage renal disease.