bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective action of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in immune tolerance of allogeneic heart transplantation by regulating CD45RB+ dendritic cells
Authors: Hua Fei , Chen Yueqiu , Yang Ziying , Teng Xiaomei , Huang Haoyue , Shen Zhenya 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundBone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) could exert a potent immunosuppressive effect and therefore may have a therapeutic potential in T‐cell‐dependent pathologies. We aimed to examine the effects of BMSCs on immune tolerance of allogeneic heart transplantation and the involvement of CD45RB+ dendritic cells (DCs).MethodsBone marrow‐derived DCs and BMSCs were co‐cultured, with CD45RB expression on the surface of DCs measured by flow cytometry. qRT‐PCR and Western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein levels. Cytometric bead array was performed to determine the serum level of IL‐10. Survival time of transplanted heart and expression of CD4+, CD8+, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, IFN‐γ were determined. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to determine intensity of C3d and C4d.ResultsDCs co‐cultured with BMSCs showed increased CD45RB and Foxp3 levels. CD45RB+ DCs co‐cultured with T‐cells CD4+ displayed increased T‐cell CD4+ Foxp3 ratio and IL‐10 than DCs. Both of them extended survival time of transplanted heart, decreased histopathological classification and score, intensity of C3d, C4d, proportion of CD4+, expression levels of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ, and increased the CD4+ Foxp3 ratio and levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10. CD45RB+ DCs achieved better protective effects than DCs.ConclusionBMSCs increased the expression of CD45RB in the bone marrow‐derived DCs, thereby strengthening immunosuppression capacity of T cells and immune tolerance of allogeneic heart transplantation.
Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass is an effective bridge to kidney transplantation: Results from a single center
Authors: Thomas Ian A. , Gaynor Jeffrey J. , Joseph Tameka , De La Cruz‐Munoz Nestor , Sageshima Junichiro , Kupin Warren , Chen Linda J. , Ciancio Gaetano , Burke George W. , Mattiazzi Adela D. , Roth David , Guerra Giselle 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBody mass index (BMI) > 35‐40 kg/m2 is often a contraindication, while Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is performed to enable kidney transplantation. This single‐center retrospective study evaluated pre‐ and post‐transplant outcomes of 31 morbidly obese patients with end‐stage renal disease having RYGB before kidney transplantation between July 2009 and June 2014. Fourteen RYGB patients were subsequently transplanted. Nineteen recipients not having GB with a BMI ≥ 36 kg/m2 at transplantation were used as historical controls. Mean BMI (±SE) before RYGB was 43.5 ± 0.7 kg/m2 (range: 35.4‐50.5 kg/m2); 87.1% (27/31) achieved a BMI < 35 kg/m2. The percentage having improved diabetes/hypertension control was 29.0% (9/31); 25.8% (8/31) had complications (mostly minor) after RYGB. Among transplanted patients, blacks/Hispanics comprised 78.6% (11/14) and 84.2% (16/19) of RYGB and controls; 57.1% (8/14) and 63.2% (12/19) had a (mostly long‐standing) pretransplant history of diabetes. While biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR) occurred significantly higher among RYGB vs control patients (6/14 vs 3/19, P = .03), patients developing T‐cell BPAR were also significantly more likely to have a tacrolimus (TAC) trough level < 4.0 ng/mL within 3 weeks of T‐cell BPAR (P = .0007). In Cox's model, the impact of having a TAC level < 4.0 ng/mg remained significant (P = .007) while the effect of RYGB was no longer significant (P = .13). Infections, graft, and patient survival were not significantly different. Despite obvious effectiveness in achieving weight loss, RYGB will need more careful post‐transplant monitoring given the observed higher BPAR rate.
Global longitudinal strain and long‐term outcomes in asymptomatic extracardiac sarcoid patients with no apparent cardiovascular disease
Authors: Felekos Ioannis , Aggeli Constantina , Gialafos Elias , Kouranos Vasileios , Rapti Aggeliki , Sfikakis Petros , Koulouris Nikolaos , Tousoulis Dimitris 
Published: February 2018

PurposeGlobal longitudinal strain (GLS) is increasingly accepted as a predictor of mortality in various clinical settings. This study tested the hypothesis that GLS is associated with increased event rate in patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis, who have no overt symptoms of cardiovascular disease and preserved ejection fraction (EF).MethodsWe retrospectively studied 117 patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis and 45 age‐ and sex‐matched controls, who underwent comprehensive echocardiographic study, while GLS was measured by an offline speckle tracking algorithm. Patients who had signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease at the time of the examination were excluded from the study. Patients were followed for an average of 57.1 months. Primary endpoint was defined as a composite endpoint of heart failure‐related hospitalizations, need for device therapy, arrhythmias, and all‐cause mortality.ResultsThe age of patients was 42 ± 6 years old (43 men). Events were recorded in 10 patients (8.5%). Tissue Doppler revealed E/Em 7.9 ± 3.5, while EF was 54.2 ± 3.5%. Global longitudinal strain was 14.4 ± 3%, and a cutoff value ≤−13.6% for GLS was considered more associated with adverse outcomes (AUC 0.84). After adjustment for multiple potential confounders (age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, E/Em, and EF), GLS remained strongly associated with adverse outcomes (HR 0.8, 0.63 to 0.98 95% C.I, P = .04).ConclusionsIn conclusion, among patients with extracardiac sarcoidosis and no symptoms of cardiovascular disease, even when EF is preserved, GLS seems to be strongly associated with adverse future events.
Minimum effective betamethasone dosage on the neurological phenotype in patients with ataxia‐telangiectasia: a multicenter observer‐blind study
Authors: Cirillo E. , Del Giudice E. , Micheli R. , Cappellari A. M. , Soresina A. , Dellepiane R. M. , Pietrogrande M. C. , Dell'Era L. , Specchia F. , Pession A. , Plebani A. , Pignata C. 
Published: February 2018

Background and purposeAtaxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, due to A‐T mutated (ATM) gene mutations, which typically presents with signs of progressive neurological dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia and uncoordinated movements. A‐T severely affects patients’ quality of life. Successful treatment options are still not available. The aim of this multicenter study, performed with a blind evaluation procedure, was to define the minimal effective dosage of oral betamethasone, thus preventing the occurrence of side effects.MethodsNine A‐T patients were enrolled to receive betamethasone at increasing dosages of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01 mg/kg/day. Neurological assessment and the evaluation of quality of life were performed through the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia and the Italian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) at each time‐point. The drug safety profile was evaluated. Patients were categorized as responders, partial responders and non‐responders.ResultsFour of nine patients had a benefit at a dose of 0.005 mg/kg/day of oral betamethasone. Using the higher dosage, only one additional patient had a positive response. Conversely, a daily dose of 0.001 mg/kg was ineffective. A correlation between the serum adrenocorticotropic hormone levels and the clinical response was observed. Five of 30 CHAQ items improved in four patients.ConclusionsThese data suggest that a short‐term betamethasone oral treatment, at a daily dosage of 0.005 mg/kg, is effective in some patients. Pre‐existing risk factors for side effects should be taken into account before therapy.
The Only Fund in Town? Geographic Segmentation in the US Mutual Fund Industry
Authors: Ellis Jesse A. , Underwood Shane 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe find that mutual funds located in regions with more competing funds charge lower management fees, but higher fees related to sales and distribution (12b‐1 fees), sales loads, and other nonmanagement fee expenses. There is some evidence that funds in more competitive regions have higher total expense ratios than similar funds in less competitive regions. Our results indicate that while increased competition drives down fund profits, it creates a negative externality by way of increased sales expenses. Overall, our results suggest the mutual fund industry is characterized by monopolistic competition determined at the local level.
Interactions among plants, bacteria, and fungi reduce extracellular enzyme activities under long‐term N fertilization
Authors: Carrara Joseph E. , Walter Christopher A. , Hawkins Jennifer S. , Peterjohn William T. , Averill Colin , Brzostek Edward R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAtmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has enhanced soil carbon (C) stocks in temperate forests. Most research has posited that these soil C gains are driven primarily by shifts in fungal community composition with elevated N leading to declines in lignin degrading Basidiomycetes. Recent research, however, suggests that plants and soil microbes are dynamically intertwined, whereby plants send C subsidies to rhizosphere microbes to enhance enzyme production and the mobilization of N. Thus, under elevated N, trees may reduce belowground C allocation leading to cascading impacts on the ability of microbes to degrade soil organic matter through a shift in microbial species and/or a change in plant–microbe interactions. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which couplings among plant, fungal, and bacterial responses to N fertilization alter the activity of enzymes that are the primary agents of soil decomposition. We measured fungal and bacterial community composition, root–microbial interactions, and extracellular enzyme activity in the rhizosphere, bulk, and organic horizon of soils sampled from a long‐term (>25 years), whole‐watershed, N fertilization experiment at the Fernow Experimental Forest in West Virginia, USA. We observed significant declines in plant C investment to fine root biomass (24.7%), root morphology, and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization (55.9%). Moreover, we found that declines in extracellular enzyme activity were significantly correlated with a shift in bacterial community composition, but not fungal community composition. This bacterial community shift was also correlated with reduced AM fungal colonization indicating that declines in plant investment belowground drive the response of bacterial community structure and function to N fertilization. Collectively, we find that enzyme activity responses to N fertilization are not solely driven by fungi, but instead reflect a whole ecosystem response, whereby declines in the strength of belowground C investment to gain N cascade through the soil environment.
Objectively measured physical activity and cognitive function in urban‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Umegaki Hiroyuki , Makino Taeko , Uemura Kazuki , Shimada Hiroyuki , Cheng Xian W , Kuzuya Masafumi 
Published: February 2018

AimPhysical activity (PA) and cognition have reportedly been associated with each other. However, it remains to be elucidated what intensities of PA are most strongly associated with cognition. In the current study, we aimed to determine the association between the intensities of objectively measured PA and cognitive function.MethodsThe present study was a cross‐sectional analysis of the data obtained at registration in a randomized control trial in Toyota, Japan. Participants were community‐dwelling older adults who had cognitive complaints. A battery of neuropsychological and physical assessments was carried out. Daily PA data were collected with the activity monitor. PA was categorized into one of three activity levels defined as light (<3.0 metabolic equivalents; LPA), moderate and vigorous (3.0 metabolic equivalents) activity.Partial correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between PA and cognition, with adjustments for age, sex and school years. We then carried out a multiple regression analysis to investigate the association of cognitive performance with PA, adjusting for insulin resistance or depressive mood.ResultsPartial correlation adjusted for age, sex and schooling years showed that LPA was significantly correlated with the Digit Symbol Substitution test, Trail Making Test (TMT) part A and TMT‐B, whereas moderate and vigorous activity showed no correlations. Multiple regression analysis with several models with different adjustments showed that LPA was associated with the Digit Symbol Substitution test, TMT‐A and TMT‐B independently from insulin resistance or depressive mood.ConclusionsIn the current study, we found that LPA was significantly associated with the performance of executive functional assessments. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 922–928.
Monotherapy with a novel intervenolin derivative, AS‐1934, is an effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Ohishi Tomokazu , Masuda Tohru , Abe Hikaru , Hayashi Chigusa , Adachi Hayamitsu , Ohba Shun‐ichi , Igarashi Masayuki , Watanabe Takumi , Mimuro Hitomi , Amalia Eri , Inaoka Daniel Ken , Mochizuki Kota , Kita Kiyoshi , Shibasaki Masakatsu , Kawada Manabu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection causes various gastrointestinal diseases including gastric cancer. Hence, eradication of this infection could prevent these diseases. The most popular first‐line treatment protocol to eradicate H. pylori is termed “triple therapy” and consists of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin, and amoxicillin or metronidazole. However, the antibiotics used to treat H. pylori infection are hindered by the antibiotics‐resistant bacteria and by their antimicrobial activity against intestinal bacteria, leading to side effects. Therefore, an alternative treatment with fewer adverse side effects is urgently required to improve the overall eradication rate of H. pylori.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and mechanism of action of an antitumor agent, intervenolin, and its derivatives as an agent for the treatment of H. pylori infection.ResultsWe demonstrate that intervenolin, and its derivatives showed selective anti‐H. pylori activity, including antibiotic‐resistant strains, without any effect on intestinal bacteria. We showed that dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme for de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, is a target and treatment with intervenolin or its derivatives decreased the protein and mRNA levels of H. pylori urease, which protects H. pylori against acidic conditions in the stomach. Using a mouse model of H. pylori infection, oral monotherapy with the intervenolin derivative AS‐1934 had a stronger anti‐H. pylori effect than the triple therapy commonly used worldwide to eradicate H. pylori.ConclusionAS‐1934 has potential advantages over current treatment options for H. pylori infection.
Expression of PD‐L1, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase and the immune microenvironment in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Patil Pallavi A , Blakely Andrew M , Lombardo Kara A , Machan Jason T , Miner Thomas J , Wang Li‐Juan , Marwaha Alexander S , Matoso Andres 
Published: February 2018

AimsThe tumour microenvironment is increasingly important in several tumours. We studied the relationship of key players of immune microenvironment with clinicopathological parameters in gastric adenocarcinomas.Methods and resultsTissue microarrays were constructed from gastrectomy specimens, 2004–13. Immunohistochemistry was performed for programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), tryptophanyl‐tRNA synthetase (WARS), guanylate‐binding protein 5 (GBP5), tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) expressing CD3/CD8/FoxP3/PD1 and mismatch repair proteins (MMRs) MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6. Clinicopathological parameters and clinical follow‐up were recorded. The study included 86 patients; median follow‐up was 34 months (0–148). Tumour types were 45% tubular, 38% diffuse, 17% mixed. PD‐L1 was positive in 70%, epithelial IDO in 58%, stromal IDO in 91%, epithelial WARS in 67%, stromal WARS in 100%, epithelial GBP5 in 53% and stromal GBP5 in 71%. MMR‐deficiency was found in 22%. There was no difference in biomarker expression by histological subtype, with the exception of fewer diffuse‐type being MMR‐deficient. Low stromal IDO was associated with decreased progression‐free, overall and disease‐specific survival. PD‐L1‐positive tumours were larger with MMR‐deficiency and with increasing TILs, and had significantly higher FoxP3TILs.ConclusionsPD‐L1 is expressed in a large proportion of gastric carcinomas, suggesting that therapy targeting this pathway could be relevant to many patients. PD‐L1 expression and MMR‐deficiency are associated with increased TILs and larger tumour size, emphasising their role in tumour biology. Higher stromal IDO expression is associated with better prognosis. Finally, we observed that immune modulators WARS and GBP5 are expressed highly in gastric adenocarcinomas, suggesting an important role in tumour pathobiology.
Role of pretest counseling sessions on increasing subjective knowledge about HIV and hepatitis transmission among the beneficiaries of a free of charge, voluntary counseling and testing program in Constanta, Romania
Authors: Schweitzer A‐M , Bogdan M , Corduneanu A , Ciocea I 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo describe the characteristics of clients who enrolled into of an opt‐in, HIV, HBV & HCV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Program in Dobrogea Region, Romania (VCT) and to identify the utility of the pre‐test counseling sessions in increasing subjective perception regarding transmission knowledge for the clients attending the VCT program.MethodsCross sectional data collection, between August 2015 and September 2016. Sociodemographic and behavioral information were collected for the clients who enrolled at two Baylor centers. Counselors were trained regarding the delivery of standardized information during the session, to reduce variation. After the pre‐test session clients evaluated the subjective level of knowledge (SK) increase regarding viral transmission.Results3065 clients were screened at the two centers and completed the SK increase assessment after the pre‐test session. About 9% of all persons tested had reactive results to any of the infections in the context of high exposure risks for 62% and low hepatitis B vaccination rates (8%). 78% of attendees perceived that their knowledge regarding HIV and viral hepatitis transmission increasing with more than 60% as the result of the pretest counselling; more information was gained about hepatitis transmission compared with HIV.ConclusionCumulative prevalence in Dobrogea community is high. The NGO‐run VCT program is helping the healthcare system to efficiently screen for undiagnosed HIV and hepatitis cases. Pre‐test counselling is directly contributing to increasing SK among attendees. Routine HIV and hepatitis integrated pre‐test counseling should be considered as a good‐practice even in settings where it is not compulsory by law.
Ion‐modified nanoparticles induce different apatite formation in cervical dentine
Authors: Toledano M. , Toledano‐Osorio M. , Medina‐Castillo A. L. , López‐López M. T. , Aguilera F. S. , Osorio R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate if crystallinity and ultrastructure are modified when cervical dentine is treated with four different nanogels‐based solutions for remineralizing purposes.MethodologyExperimental nanogels based on polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and zinc, calcium or doxycycline‐loaded NPs were applied to citric acid etched dentine to facilitate the occlusion of tubules and the mineralization of the dentine surface. Dentine surfaces were studied by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy through selected area diffraction and bright‐field imaging.ResultsCrystals at the dentine surface were identified as hydroxyapatite with the highest crystallographic maturity and crystallite size in dentine treated with Zn‐NPs‐based gel. Texture increased in all samples from 24 h to 7 days, except in dentine surfaces treated with Zn‐NPs gel. Polyhedral, plate‐like and drop‐like shaped apatite crystals constituted the bulk of minerals in dentine treated with Zn‐NPs gel, after 7 days. Polymorphic, cubic and needle‐like shaped crystals distinguished minerals, with more amorphous characteristics in dentine treated with Ca‐NPs gel after 7 days than that found when Zn‐NPs were applied. Doxycycline‐NPs produced the smallest crystallites with poor crystallinity, maturity and chemical stability.ConclusionsCrystalline and amorphous phases of newly formed hydroxyapatite were described in both types of dentine treated with Zn‐NPs as well as Ca‐NPs gels with multiple shapes of crystallites. Crystal shapes ranged from rounded/drop‐like or plate‐like crystals to needle‐like or polyhedral and cubic apatite appearance.
Essential Professional Nursing Practices in mental health: A cross‐sectional study of hospital inpatient care
Authors: Frechette Julie , Pugnaire Gros Catherine , B. Brewer Barbara , Kramer Marlene , Lavigne Geneviève , Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractQuality organizational structures and nursing practices are key to positive patient outcomes. Whereas structures have been largely studied over the past few decades, less is known of the nursing practices that account for patient outcomes, such as patient satisfaction. This is especially true in psychiatric, mental health care settings. The aim of the present study is to determine the relative importance of eight Essential Professional Nursing Practices (EPNPs) on the satisfaction of hospitalized patients on mental health care units. A cross‐sectional design was selected; 226 point‐of‐care mental health nurses completed the online EPNP questionnaire in Spring 2015. Statistical analyses included MANOVAs and a 2‐step linear regression. A significant relationship was found between university preparation and scores on two EPNP subscales: autonomous decision‐making and practicing with competent nurses. Scores on patient advocacy and control over practice subscales were significantly related to nurse‐rated patient satisfaction. The findings reinforce the positive link between university education and the work of nurses and highlight the power dynamics that are salient in mental health care. The pertinence of EPNPs in psychiatric settings is brought to the fore, with practices of patient advocacy and nurse control over care examined in relation to empowerment. Implications for clinical and administrative leaders are addressed, with a focus on strategies for empowering patients and nurses.