bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma ligands affect NF‐kB and cytokine synthesis in the porcine endometrium—An in vitro study
Authors: Kunicka Zuzanna , Kurzynska Aleksandra , Szydlowska Anna , Mierzejewski Karol , Bogacka Iwona 
Published: September 2018

ProblemCytokines, mediators of the immune response, are involved in the regulation of female reproductive processes during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of selected peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligands on the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and selected cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, ‐4, ‐6, ‐8, ‐10, and the leukemia inhibitory factor, in the porcine endometrium on days 10‐12 and 14‐16 of the estrous cycle (mid‐ and late luteal phase, respectively) or pregnancy (maternal recognition of pregnancy and beginning of implantation, respectively).Method of studyEndometrial slices were incubated in vitro in the presence of PPARγ agonists, 15‐deoxy‐Δ12, 14‐prostaglandin J2 or rosiglitazone, and PPARγ antagonist T0070907. mRNA and protein levels in tissues were determined by real‐time PCR and Western blot.ResultsOn days 10‐12 of the estrous cycle and days 14‐16 of pregnancy, PPARγ ligands enhanced the expression of NF‐κB, mRNA cytokines, and/or proteins. During the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle (days 14‐16) and maternal recognition of pregnancy (days 10‐12), PPARγ ligands inhibited the expression of NF‐κB, and they differentially affected the expression of mRNA and proteins of cytokines.ConclusionOur results indicate that PPARγ is engaged in the endometrial synthesis of NF‐κB and selected cytokines in pigs. The influence of PPARγ ligands on the tested components of the immune system varied subject to the physiological status of females, and it could be associated with differences in endometrial receptivity.
Ischemic QRS prolongation as a biomarker of myocardial injury in STEMI patients
Authors: Almer Jakob , Elmberg Viktor , Bränsvik Josef , Nordlund David , Khoshnood Ardavan , Ringborn Michael , Carlsson Marcus , Ekelund Ulf , Engblom Henrik 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with acute coronary occlusion (ACO) may not only have ischemia‐related ST‐segment changes but also changes in the QRS complex. It has recently been shown in dogs that a greater ischemic QRS prolongation (IQP) during ACO is related to lower collateral flow. This suggests that greater IQP could indicate more severe ischemia and thereby more rapid infarct development. Therefore, the purpose was to evaluate the relationship between IQP and measures of myocardial injury in patients presenting with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).MethodsSeventy‐seven patients with first‐time STEMI were retrospectively included from the recently published SOCCER trial. All patients underwent a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination 2–6 days after the acute event. Infarct size (IS), myocardium at risk (MaR), and myocardial salvage index (MSI) were assessed and related to IQP. IQP measures assessed were; computer‐generated QRS duration, QRS duration at maximum ST deviation, absolute IQP and relative IQP, all derived from a pre‐PCI, 12‐lead ECG.ResultsMedian absolute IQP was 10 ms (range 0–115 ms). There were no statistically significant correlations between measures of IQP and any of the CMR measures of myocardial injury (absolute IQP vs IS, r = 0.03, p = 0.80; MaR, r = −0.01, p = 0.89; MSI, r = −0.05, p = 0.68).ConclusionsUnlike previous experimental studies, the IQP was limited in patients presenting at the emergency room with first‐time STEMI and no correlation was found between IQP and CMR variables of myocardial injury in these patients. Therefore, IQP does not seem to be a suitable biomarker for triaging patients in this clinical context.
Combining noninvasive risk stratification parameters improves the prediction of mortality and appropriate ICD shocks
Authors: Vandenberk Bert , Junttila M. Juhani , Robyns Tomas , Garweg Christophe , Ector Joris , Huikuri Heikki V. , Willems Rik 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundSudden cardiac death (SCD) results from a complex interplay of abnormalities in autonomic function, myocardial substrate and vulnerability. We studied whether a combination of noninvasive risk stratification tests reflecting these key players could improve risk stratification.MethodsPatients implanted with an ICD in whom 24‐hr holter recordings were available prior to implant were included. QRS fragmentation (fQRS) was selected as measure of myocardial substrate and a high ventricular premature beat count (VPB >10/hr) for arrhythmic vulnerability. From receiver operating characteristics analysis, detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), turbulence slope, and deceleration capacity were selected for autonomic function. Adjusted Cox regression analysis with comparison of C‐statistics was performed to predict first appropriate shock (AS) and total mortality.ResultsA total of 220 patients were included in the analysis with an overall follow‐up of 4.3 ± 3.1 years. A model including VPB >10/hr, inferior fQRS, and abnormal nonedited DFA was the best for prediction of AS after 1 year of follow‐up with a trends toward improvement of the C‐statistics compared to baseline (p = 0.055). The risk increased significantly with every abnormal test (HR 1.793, 95%CI 1.255–2.564). A model including fQRS in any region and abnormal edited DFA was the best for prediction of mortality after 3 years of follow‐up with significant improvement of the C‐statistics (p = 0.023). Each abnormal test was associated with a significant increase in mortality (HR 5.069, 95%CI 1.978–12.994).ConclusionCombining noninvasive risk stratification tests according to their physiological background can improve the risk prediction of SCD and mortality.
Short‐term and midterm outcomes of single‐incision laparoscopic surgery for right‐sided colon cancer
Authors: Ishii Yoshiyuki , Yahagi Masashi , Ochiai Hiroki , Sako Hiroyuki , Amemiya Ryusuke , Maeda Hinako , Ogiri Masayo , Kamiya Noriki , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to clarify the usefulness of SILS for right‐sided colon cancer by evaluating the short‐term and midterm outcomes.MethodsBetween 2012 and 2017, 65 selected patients with right‐sided colon cancer underwent ileocecal resection, right hemicolectomy, or transverse colectomy; all were enrolled in the study. The same well‐trained surgeon performed each procedure by using a multi‐instrument access port with three channels, which was placed at the umbilicus via an approximately 3‐cm skin incision.ResultsThe pathological disease stage distribution was stage 0, 4 cases; stage I, 23 cases; stage II, 19 cases; stage III, 17 cases; and stage IV, 2 cases. The surgical procedures performed were ileocecal resection, 23 cases; right hemicolectomy, 35 cases; and transverse colectomy, 7 cases. The median operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 216 min and 10 mL, respectively. Although 18 cases needed additional ports, none required conversion to open surgery. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 24. No major perioperative morbidities occurred in this patient series. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days. The median follow‐up period was 30 months, and the 3‐year relapse‐free and overall survival rates were 100% and 100%, respectively, in the stage 0–I cases and 89% and 96% in the stage II–III cases, respectively.ConclusionWe concluded that SILS is as feasible as multiport laparoscopic surgery and a reliable surgical option in selected cases of right‐sided colon cancer.
Design, synthesis, and antiplasmodial evaluation of a series of novel sulfoximine analogues of carbohydrate‐based thiochromans
Authors: Chizema Munashe , Mabasa Tommy F. , Hoppe Heinrich C. , Kinfe Henok H. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSulfone/sulfoxide‐containing carbohydrate derived thiochromans were found to be highly active antiplasmodial agents. However, the inability of the sulfone/sulfoxide functional groups for further derivatization and manipulation limited the potential for further exploration. In this study, based on the interesting and important physicochemical properties, as well as amenability of sulfoximines (isosters of sulfones) for further derivatization, a series of novel sulfoximine‐type carbohydrate‐derived thiochroman derivatives have been successfully synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their antiplasmodial activity. Although the replacement of the sulfone functional group with a sulfoximine unit improved the antiplasmodial activity of the scaffolds, the activity was highly dependent on the configuration of the stereogenic centre at the sulfur atom. Moreover, analysis of the crystal structures of the sulfoximine analogues revealed that the bond between the sulfur and nitrogen atoms of the sulfoximine functional group is not a true double bond but rather a polarized single bond.
Increased expression of interleukin‐9 in patients with allergic contact dermatitis caused by p‐phenylenediamine
Authors: Baeck Marie , Herman Anne , de Montjoye Laurence , Hendrickx Emilie , Chéou Paméla , Cochez Perrine M. , Dumoutier Laure 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis has been described as a type IV reaction caused by antigen‐specific T cells. Central roles for CD8+ cytotoxic T cells as effector cells and CD4+ T cells as regulatory cells have been suggested. T helper (Th) 2 and Th1 cytokines have been implicated; however, the nature of the allergen influences the Th response.ObjectiveTo determine the types of T cells and cytokines expressed in patients allergic to p‐phenylenediamine (PPD).MethodsSerial skin biopsies of areas with positive patch test reactions in 29 PPD‐sensitized patients were collected. T cell markers and cytokine expression were analysed by flow cytometry and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in both skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of sensitized patients.ResultsWe observed increased expression of T cell markers and Th2/Th9‐associated cytokines in both skin and stimulated PBMCs of PPD‐allergic patients. Moreover, interleukin (IL)‐9 was mainly produced by Th9 cells, in both skin and PBMCs. Further investigations showed that Il9r‐deficient mice were more affected in a PPD contact hypersensitivity model than wild‐type mice.ConclusionWe did not confirm the preclinical presence of CD8+ T cells. However, the expression of different T cell markers positively correlated with patch test reactions. IL‐9 expression was strongly upregulated and directly related to patch test severity. In addition, we showed that IL‐9 has an anti‐inflammatory role in a mouse model of PPD contact hypersensitivity.
Social Network Limits Language Complexity
Authors: Lou‐Magnuson Matthew , Onnis Luca 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNatural languages vary widely in the degree to which they make use of nested compositional structure in their grammars. It has long been noted by linguists that the languages historically spoken in small communities develop much deeper levels of compositional embedding than those spoken by larger groups. Recently, this observation has been confirmed by a robust statistical analysis of the World Atlas of Language Structures. In order to examine this connection mechanistically, we propose an agent‐based model that accounts for key cultural evolutionary features of language transfer and language change. We identify transitivity as a physical parameter of social networks critical for the evolution of compositional structure and the hierarchical patterning of scale‐free distributions as inhibitory.
Chest physiotherapy with early mobilization may improve extubation outcome in critically ill patients in the intensive care units
Authors: Wang Tsung‐Hsien , Wu Chin‐Pyng , Wang Li‐Ying 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundExtubation failure can lead to a longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, higher mortality rate, and higher risk of requiring tracheostomy. Chest physiotherapy (CPT) can help patients in reducing the accumulation of airway secretion, preventing collapsed lung, improving lung compliance, and reducing comorbidities. Much research has investigated the correlation between CPT and respiratory system clearance. However, few studies have investigated the correlation between CPT and failed ventilator extubation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of CPT for reducing the rate of failed removal from mechanical ventilators.MethodsThis study was an intervention study with mechanical control. Subjects were divided into two groups. The control group, which received routine nursing chest care, was selected from a retrospective chart review. The intervention group was prospectively taken into the chest physiotherapy program. The chest physiotherapy treatment protocol consisted of inspiratory muscle training, manual hyperinflation, chest wall mobilization, secretion removal, cough function training, and early mobilization.ResultsA total of 439 subjects were enrolled in the intervention and control groups, with a mean age of 69 years. APACHE II score (P = .09) and GCS scores (P = .54) were similar between the two groups. Compared to the control group, patients in the intervention group had a significantly lower reintubation rate (8% vs 16%; P = .01).ConclusionsThe results indicate that intensive chest physiotherapy could decrease extubation failure in mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU. In addition, chest physiotherapy could also significantly improve the rapid shallow breathing index score.
Reduced display of conformational epitopes in the N‐terminal truncated GAD65 isoform: relevance for people with stiff person syndrome or DQ8/8‐positive Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hampe C. S. , Radtke J. R. , Wester A. , Carlsson A. , Cedervall E. , Jönsson B. , Ivarsson S. A. , Elding Larsson H. , Larsson K. , Lindberg B. , Neiderud J. , Rolandsson O. , Lernmark Å. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimsTo investigate whether the N‐terminal truncated glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) isoform is as well recognized by people with stiff person syndrome as it is by people with Type 1 diabetes, and whether conformational GAD65 antibody epitopes are displayed properly by the isoform.MethodsGAD65 antibody‐positive healthy individuals (n=13), people with stiff‐person syndrome (n=15) and children with new‐onset Type 1 diabetes (n=654) were analysed to determine binding to full‐length GAD65 and the N‐terminal truncated GAD65 isoform in each of these settings. GAD65 autoantibody epitope specificity was correlated with binding ratios of full‐length GAD65/N‐terminal truncated GAD65.ResultsThe N‐terminal truncated GAD65 isoform was significantly less recognized in GAD65Ab‐positive people with stiff‐person syndrome (P=0.002) and in healthy individuals (P=0.0001) than in people with Type 1 diabetes. Moreover, at least two specific conformational GAD65Ab epitopes were not, or were only partially, presented by the N‐terminal truncated GAD65 isoform compared to full‐length GAD65. Finally, an N‐terminal conformational GAD65Ab epitope was significantly less recognized in DQ8/8 positive individuals with Type 1 diabetes (P=0.02).ConclusionsIn people with stiff person syndrome preferred binding to the full‐length GAD65 isoform over the N‐terminal truncated molecule was observed. This binding characteristic is probably attributable to reduced presentation of two conformational epitopes by the N‐terminal truncated molecule. These findings support the notion of disease‐specific GAD65Ab epitope specificities and emphasize the need to evaluate the applicability of novel assays for different medical conditions.
Varieties of hybrid systemic governance in European Higher Education
Authors: Capano Giliberto , Pritoni Andrea 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOver the last 30 years, governments have continuously adjusted their Higher Education policies to make universities more efficient (achieving more by spending less) and more effective (by increasing the percentage of graduates, by reducing the number of university dropouts and by focusing more on the third mission). At the core of governmental endeavours to reform Higher Education lies the redesign of the actual governance mode: governments have not only changed the general principles of Higher Education governance but also continuously changed the mix of those policy instruments they have chosen to adopt. The steering at a distance/supervisory/supermarket model appears to be unable to cover these differentiated trends; in fact, scholars have underlined that each country has designed its own hybrid interpretation of the common template. This paper focuses on this issue, describing how governance has been hybridised at the systemic level and detailing the content of these changes, operationalised with regards to policy instruments together with two financial dimensions. It emerges that three types of hybrid systemic governance modes are actually present in Europe: a performance‐based mode, a re‐regulated mode and a systemic goal‐oriented mode.
Broccoli leaf powder as an attractive by‐product ingredient: effect on batter behaviour, technological properties and sensory quality of gluten‐free mini sponge cake
Authors: Krupa‐Kozak Urszula , Drabińska Natalia , Rosell Cristina M. , Fadda Costantino , Anders Andrzej , Jeliński Tomasz , Ostaszyk Anita 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBroccoli by‐products, in particular leaves, are rich sources of nutritional and bioactive components thus could constitute a valuable food additive. Although an upsurge in quantity of gluten‐free products is observed further studies are required on improvement of their nutritional quality and palatability. This study aimed to investigate the influence of broccoli leaf powder (BLP) on dough behaviour, and technological characteristics and sensory quality of gluten‐free mini sponge cake (GFS). Broccoli leaf powder replaced an equivalent amount (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%; w/w) of corn and potato starches in GFS formulation. Applied BLP increased the instrumental firmness of GFS but sensorial attributes (elasticity, crustiness, mastication and adhesiveness) were similar to the control. All broccoli GFS were vividly green, had small size pores properly distributed. Among them, sample with 2.5% BLP was distinguished for its desirable sensory quality, despite a slightly perceived cabbage aroma and taste. Moderate amount of BLP allows to preserve a good quality GFS improving its attractiveness and palatability.
A newly developed tetraplex real‐time RT‐PCR for simultaneous screening of influenza virus types A, B, C and D
Authors: Henritzi Dinah , Hoffmann Bernd , Wacheck Silke , Pesch Stefan , Herrler Georg , Beer Martin , Harder Timm C. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundHuman‐ or avian‐to‐swine transmissions have founded several autonomously circulating influenza A virus (IAV) lineages in swine populations that cause economically important respiratory disease. Little is known on other human influenza virus types, like B (IBV) and C (ICV) in European swine, and of the recently detected novel animal influenza virus type D (IDV).ObjectivesDevelopment of a cost‐effective diagnostic tool for large‐scale surveillance programmes targeting all four influenza virus types.MethodsAn influenza ABCD tetraplex real‐time RT‐PCR (RT‐qPCR) was developed in the frame of this study. A selection of reference virus strains and more than 4000 porcine samples from a passive IAV surveillance programme in European swine with acute respiratory disease were examined.ResultsTwo IBV, a single IDV but no ICV infections were identified by tetraplex RT‐qPCR. IBV and IDV results were confirmed by conventional RT‐PCR and partial sequence analysis.ConclusionsThe tetraplex RT‐qPCR proved fit for purpose as a sensitive, specific and high‐throughput tool to study influenza virus transmission at the human‐animal interface. Complementing close‐meshed active virological and serological surveillance is required to better understand the true incidence and prevalence of influenza virus type B, C and D infections in swine.
Medicare's Variation in Out‐of‐Pocket Costs for Prescriptions: The Irrational Examples of In‐Hospital Observation and Home Infusion
Authors: Wright Brad , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Upchurch Gina 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThe Medicare program pays for prescription drugs using several different—and often complicated—methods. As hospital‐based treatment continues to shift from inpatient care to outpatient observation status, and as intravenous infusions continue to shift from hospitals and provider offices into the home, understanding Medicare's prescription drug benefits is increasingly confusing to providers and beneficiaries. Not only is it sometimes difficult to determine whether coverage is provided under Medicare Part A, Part B, or Part D, but this determination also has consequences for Medicare beneficiaries’ out‐of‐pocket spending, which may be higher in certain situations. Although Medicare may be a single payer, the “system” of payment varies depending on where beneficiaries receive treatment; what their income and assets are; whether they are receiving inpatient, outpatient, or hospice services; and whether they are enrolled in original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage managed care plan. Policies are needed to address these anomalies in the design of Medicare prescription drug benefits and reduce the unjustified variation in out‐of‐pocket costs. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2249–2253, 2018.
Respiratory health inequality starts early: The impact of social determinants on the aetiology and severity of bronchiolitis in infancy
Authors: Foley David , Best Elspeth , Reid Nicholas , Berry Max (Mary) J 
Published: September 2018

AimTo define the impact of demographics on the incidence, aetiology and clinical course of viral bronchiolitis in infants younger than 2 years of age.MethodsRetrospective case review of all viral bronchiolitis admissions for patients aged younger than 2 years old from January 1 2014 to 31 December 2015 at Wellington Regional Hospital, New Zealand. Demographic data, second‐hand smoke exposure (SHSE) and presence of predisposing conditions were collected, along with outcome data including use of respiratory support and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This was compared to background rates calculated from regional census data.ResultsThere were 556 admissions included (11% of paediatric medical admissions); 49% tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (84% tested), and 40% of admissions received positive pressure respiratory support and 10% ICU admission. Admission rates ranged from 9.6 to 77 per 1000/year, with higher rates seen in those from areas of high deprivation. Admission rates by deprivation varied according to aetiology. RSV‐positive admission rates increased from 9.7 per 1000/year to 24.6 per 1000/year in the least to most deprived areas, whereas non‐RSV admissions showed even greater disparity, increasing from 10.1 per 1000/year to 37.5 per 1000/year (both P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThis study further reinforces that material deprivation contributes significantly to poor health outcomes that are apparent in infancy. SHSE is a potent risk factor for adverse respiratory outcomes in this patient population. Ongoing efforts to eradicate smoking and reduce material inequality need to continue.