bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor impairs CD8+ T cell functionality by interfering with central activation elements
Authors: Bunse C E , Tischer S , Lahrberg J , Oelke M , Figueiredo C , Blasczyk R , Eiz-Vesper B 
Published: March 2016

Summary
Besides mobilizing stem cells into the periphery, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to influence various types of innate and adaptive immune cells. For example, it impairs the effector function of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). It is assumed that this effect is mediated indirectly by monocytes, regulatory T cells and immunomodulatory cytokines influenced by G-CSF. In this study, isolated G-CSF-treated CD8+ T cells were stimulated antigen-dependently with peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC)-coupled artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) or stimulated antigen-independently with anti-CD3/CD28 stimulator beads. By measuring the changes in interferon (IFN)-γ and granzyme B expression at the mRNA and protein level, we showed for the first time that G-CSF has a direct effect on CD8+ CTLs, which was confirmed based on the reduced production of IFN-γ and granzyme B by the cytotoxic T cell line TALL-104 after G-CSF treatment. By investigating further elements affected by G-CSF in CTLs from stem cell donors and untreated controls, we found a decreased phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) and CD3ζ after G-CSF treatment. Additionally, miRNA-155 and activation marker expression levels were reduced. In summary, our results show that G-CSF directly influences the effector function of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and affects various elements of T cell activation.
Effect of supine body position on central corneal thickness
Authors: Maslin Jessica S , Teng Christopher C , Chadha Nisha , Liu Ji 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the effect of supine body position on central corneal thickness (CCT) in open‐angle glaucoma patients and in healthy subjects.DesignA cross‐sectional study at a university eye clinic.ParticipantsTwenty‐three subjects were recruited in each group, for a total of 46 patients.MethodsCCT was measured using an ultrasound pachymeter in each subject. Three consecutive measurements in each eye were first taken in the sitting position, and repeated after 10 min and 30 min in a supine position. Results were analyzed using mixed model repeated measures, which adjusted for age, gender and laterality of eyes.Main Outcome MeasuresCCTResultsIn healthy subjects, CCT decreased with supine positioning at 10 min (mean = −5.2 µm, P = 0.0043) and at 30 min (mean = −6.5 µm, P < 0.0001). In the glaucoma group, CCT decreased with supine positioning at 10 min (mean = −6.7 µm, P = 0.0043) and at 30 min (mean = −10.2 µm, P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference between the CCT at 10 min supine and at 30 min supine in the healthy subjects (P = 0.37) and glaucoma patients (P = 0.14). CCT was shown to decrease linearly over time (P < 0.0001), and the slopes were not statistically different between groups (P = 0.40).ConclusionsCCT is a dynamic measurement that can be influenced by body position. It decreases linearly in the first 30 min of supine positioning at a similar rate in both open angle glaucoma patients and in healthy subjects.
Non‐ionizing real‐time ultrasonography in implant and oral surgery: A feasibility study
Authors: Chan Hsun‐Liang , Wang Hom‐Lay , Fowlkes Jeffery Brian , Giannobile William V. , Kripfgans Oliver D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPurposeUltrasound imaging has potential to complement radiographic imaging modalities in implant and oral surgery given that it is non‐ionizing and provides instantaneous images of anatomical structures. For application in oral and dental imaging, its qualities are dependent on its ability to accurately capture these complex structures. Therefore, the aim of this feasibility study was to investigate ultrasound to image soft tissue, hard tissue surface topography and specific vital structures.Material and methodsA clinical ultrasound scanner, paired with two 14‐MHz transducers of different sizes (one for extraoral and the other for intraoral scans), was used to scan the following structures on a fresh cadaver: (i) the facial bone surface and soft tissue of maxillary anterior teeth, (ii) the greater palatine foramen; (iii) the mental foramen and (iv) the lingual nerve. Multiple measurements relevant to these structures were made on the ultrasound images and compared to those on cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and/or direct measurements.ResultsUltrasound imaging could delineate hard tissue surfaces, including enamel, root dentin and bone as well as soft tissue with high resolution (110 μm wavelength). The greater palatine foramen, mental foramen and lingual nerve were clearly shown in ultrasound images. Merging ultrasound and CBCT images demonstrated overall spatial accuracy of ultrasound images, which was corroborated by data gathered from direct measurements.ConclusionFor the first time, this study provides proof‐of‐concept evidence that ultrasound can be a real‐time and non‐invasive alternative for the evaluation of oral and dental anatomical structures relevant for implant and oral surgery.
Determinants of biofilm formation and cleanability of titanium surfaces
Authors: Zaugg Lucia K. , Astasov‐Frauenhoffer Monika , Braissant Olivier , Hauser‐Gerspach Irmgard , Waltimo Tuomas , Zitzmann Nicola U. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to analyze biofilm formation on four different titanium‐based surfaces (machined titanium zirconium (TiZr) alloy, M; machined, acid‐etched TiZr alloy, modMA; machined, sandblasted, acid‐etched TiZr alloy, modSLA; and micro‐grooved titanium aluminum vanadium alloy, TAV MG) in an experimental human model.Material and methodsCustom‐made discs were mounted in individual intraoral splint housings and worn by 16 volunteers for 24 h. The safranin staining assay, isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC), and SEM were applied before and after surface cleaning.ResultsThe hydrophilic surfaces modMA and modSLA with greater surface micro‐roughness exhibited significantly more biofilm than the hydrophobic surfaces TAV MG and M. The standardized cleaning procedure substantially reduced the biofilm mass on all surfaces. After cleaning, the IMC analyses demonstrated a longer lag time of the growth curve on TAV MG compared to modSLA. Inter‐ and intraindividual variations in biofilm formation on the titanium discs were evident throughout the study.ConclusionsSurface hydrophilicity and roughness enhanced biofilm formation in vivo, whereas surface topography was the most influential factor that determined surface cleanability. While the grooved surface retained larger amounts of initial biofilm, the machined surface was easier to clean, but proliferation indicated by increased metabolic activity (growth rate) in IMC occurred despite mechanical biofilm removal.
The antibiotic of choice determined by antibiogram in maxillary sinus elevation surgery: a clinical study
Authors: Carreño Carreño Javier , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Martínez Corriá Ramón , Menéndez López‐Mateos María Luisa , Menéndez‐Núñez Mario 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesThis study set out to make antibiograms of positive bacteria cultures in samples collected when performing maxillary sinus elevations to determine a specific and effective antibiotic in each case.Material and methodsA total of 174 patients (90 women and 84 men) with a mean age of 55.92 years underwent 227 sinus elevations. As the membrane was lifted, a sample was collected from the maxillary sinus floor with a cotton swab and placed on a blood agar and chocolate agar culture to incubate for 48 h at 37°; the samples then underwent microbiological analysis. Antibiograms were made for each positive culture to identify the most sensitive antibiotic, which were regrouped according to their mechanism of action as: beta‐lactam (penicillins), beta‐lactam (cephalosporins), macrolides, quinolones, fosfomycin, aminoglycosides, or trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole.ResultsOf 227 cultures, 18.1% were bacteria‐positive. Of the germs, 45% were of the Streptococcus genus, most of which belonged to the Streptococcus viridans group (61.1%). The germs studied showed greater resistance to macrolides and greater sensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins, and ciprofloxacin. The antibiotics that showed the greatest efficacy were as follows: ampicillin, amoxicillin–clavulanate, and ciprofloxacin.ConclusionsOn the basis of antibiograms of positive cultures, the antibiotics presenting the greatest efficacy against possible complications were as follows: ampicillin, amoxicillin–clavulanate, and ciprofloxacin. Clinically, the antibiograms proved useful as they allowed the prescription of specific antibiotics to resolve possible postoperative sinus infections.
A stratified analysis of the perioperative outcome of 17623 patients undergoing major head and neck cancer surgery in England over 10 years: Towards an Informatics‐based Outcomes Surveillance Framework
Authors: Nouraei S.A.R. , Mace A.D. , Middleton S.E. , Hudovsky A. , Vaz F. , Moss C. , Ghufoor K. , Mendes R. , O'Flynn P. , Jallali N. , Clarke P.M. , Darzi A. , Aylin P. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo perform a national analysis of the perioperative outcome of major head and neck cancer surgery to develop a stratification strategy and outcomes assessment framework using hospital administrative data.DesignA Hospital Episode Statistics N = near‐all analysis.SettingsThe English National Health Service.Main outcome measuresLocal audit data were used to assess and triangulate the quality of the administrative dataset. Within the national dataset, cancer sites, morbidities, social deprivation, treatment, complications, and in‐hospital mortality were recorded.ResultsWithin local audit datasets, the accuracy of assigning newly‐derived Cancer Site Strata and Resection Strata were 92.3% and 94.2%, respectively. Accuracy of morbidities assignment was 97%. Within the national dataset, we identified 17 623 major head and neck cancer resections between 2002 and 2012. There were 12 413 males and mean age at surgery was 63 ± 12 years. The commonest cancer site strata were oral cavity (42%) and larynx–hypopharynx (32%). The commonest resection site was the larynx (n = 4217), and 13 211 and 11 841 patients had neck dissection and flap‐based reconstruction, respectively. There were prognostically significant baseline differences between patients with oromandibular and pharyngolaryngeal malignancy. Patients with pharyngolaryngeal malignancies had a greater burden of morbidities, lower socio‐economic status, fewer primary resections, and a sixfold increased risk of undergoing their major resection during an emergency hospital admission. Mean length of stay was 25 days and each complication linearly increased it by 9.6 days. There were 609 (3.5%) in‐hospital deaths and a basket of seven medical and three surgical complications significantly increased the risk of in‐hospital death. At least one potentially lethal complication occurred in 26% of patients. The risk of in‐hospital death in a patient with no potentially lethal complication was 1.1% and this increased to 6% with one potentially lethal complication, and to 15.1% if two potentially lethal complications occurred in one patient. Complex oral‐pharyngeal resections and pharyngolaryngectomies had the highest risks of complications and mortality.ConclusionMortality following head and neck cancer surgery shows variation across different resection strata. We propose an Informatics‐based Framework for Outcomes Surveillance (IFOS) in Head and Neck Surgery for perpetual quality assurance, using the local hospital coding data or its collated destination, the national administrative dataset.
The role of time and species identities in spatial patterns of species richness and conservation
Authors: Hewitt Judi E. , Thrush Simon F. , Ellingsen Kari E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMany conservation actions are justified on the basis of managing biodiversity. Biodiversity, in terms of species richness, is largely the product of rare species. This is problematic because the intensity of sampling needed to characterize communities and patterns of rarity or to justify the use of surrogates has biased sampling in favor of space over time. However, environmental fluctuations interacting with community dynamics lead to temporal variations in where and when species occur, potentially affecting conservation planning by generating uncertainty about results of species distribution modeling (including range determinations), selection of surrogates for biodiversity, and the proportion of biodiversity composed of rare species. To have confidence in the evidence base for conservation actions, one must consider whether temporal replication is necessary to produce broad inferences. Using approximately 20 years of macrofaunal data from tidal flats in 2 harbors, we explored variation in the identity of rare, common, restricted range, and widespread species over time and space. Over time, rare taxa were more likely to increase in abundance or occurrence than to remain rare or disappear and to exhibit temporal patterns in their occurrence. Space–time congruency in ranges (i.e., spatially widespread taxa were also temporally widespread) was observed only where samples were collected across an environmental gradient. Fifteen percent of the taxa in both harbors changed over time from having spatially restricted ranges to having widespread ranges. Our findings suggest that rare species can provide stability against environmental change, because the majority of species were not random transients, but that selection of biodiversity surrogates requires temporal validation. Rarity needs to be considered both spatially and temporally, as species that occur randomly over time are likely to play a different role in ecosystem functioning than those exhibiting temporal structure (e.g., seasonality). Moreover, temporal structure offers the opportunity to place management and conservation activities within windows of maximum opportunity.
Adoption and success rates of perineal procedures for fistula‐in‐ano: a systematic review
Authors: Kontovounisios C. , Tekkis P. , Tan E. , Rasheed S. , Darzi A. , Wexner S. D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimSeveral sphincter‐preserving techniques have been described with extremely encouraging initial reports. However, more recent studies have failed to confirm the positive early results. We evaluate the adoption and success rates of advancement flap procedures (AFP), fibrin glue sealant (FGS), anal collagen plug (ACP) and ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedures based on their evolution in time for the management of anal fistula.MethodA PubMed search from 1992 to 2015. An assessment of adoption, duration of study and success rate was undertaken.ResultsWe found 133 studies (5604 patients): AFP (40 studies, 2333 patients), FGS (31 studies, 871 patients), LIFT (19 studies, 759 patients), ACP (43 studies, 1641 patients). Success rates ranged from 0% to 100%. Study duration was significantly associated with success rates in AFP (P = 0.01) and FGS (P = 0.02) but not in LIFT or ACP. The duration of use of individual procedures since first publication was associated with success rate only in AFP (P = 0.027). There were no statistically significant differences in success rates relative to the number of the patients included in each study.ConclusionSuccess and adoption rates tend to decrease with time. Differences in patient selection, duration of follow‐up, length of availability of the individual procedure and heterogeneity of treatment protocols contribute to the diverse results in the literature. Differences in success rates over time were evident, suggesting that both international trials and global best practice consensus are desirable. Further prospective randomized controlled trials with homogeneity and clear objective parameters would be needed to substantiate these findings.
Translating colorectal cancer genetics into clinically useful biomarkers
Authors: Morley‐Bunker A. , Walker L. C. , Currie M. J. , Pearson J. , Eglinton T. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health problem worldwide accounting for over a million deaths annually. While many patients with Stage II and III CRC can be cured with combinations of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, this is morbid costly treatment and a significant proportion will suffer recurrence and eventually die of CRC. Increased understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of CRC has the potential to identify high risk patients and target therapy more appropriately. Despite increased understanding of the molecular events underlying CRC development, established molecular techniques have only produced a limited number of biomarkers suitable for use in routine clinical practice to predict risk, prognosis and response to treatment. Recent rapid technological developments, however, have made genomic sequencing of CRC more economical and efficient, creating potential for the discovery of genetic biomarkers that have greater diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic capabilities for the management of CRC. This paper reviews the current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of CRC, and summarizes molecular biomarkers that surgeons will encounter in current clinical use as well as those under development in clinical and preclinical trials. New molecular technologies are reviewed together with their potential impact on the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of CRC and their potential clinical utility in classification, diagnosis, prognosis and targeting of therapy.
Primary mediastinal synovial sarcoma with subsequent development of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of lung presenting as superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: Madabhavi Irappa , Patel Apurva , Anand Asha , Panchal Harsha , Parikh Sonia 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPrimary mediastinal sarcomas are aggressive tumors with a very rare incidence. This report describes the case of a 35 year old male patient who presented with acute symptoms of dyspnoea, facial puffiness, engorged neck veins and hoarseness of voice. With the clinical picture consistent with the superior vena caval (SVC) syndrome, the patient was investigated with computed tomography of the chest. This revealed a large soft tissue density mass lesion compressing the SVC along with other critical superior mediastinal structures. Histopathological evaluation of the mass revealed features consistent with a soft tissue sarcoma and positive staining was observed for vimentin and S‐100. Cytogenetic analysis by fluorescent in‐situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated the t(X: 18) translocation. Thus diagnosis was established as primary mediastinal synovial sarcoma. Patient was treated with three‐cycles of neo‐adjuvant (ifosfamide 2400mg/m2 on days 1‐5 and doxorubicin 37.5 mg/m2 on days 1 & 2) chemotherapy, to which there was a partial response as per the RECIST criteria. Surgical excision of the mediastinal mass was performed, and further post‐operative treatment with adjuvant chemo‐radiotherapy was provided. Patient was under regular surveillance at our clinic and remains free of symptoms one‐year after treatment completion. But after 14 months of treatment completion patient again had symptoms of progressive dyspnea, hoareness of voice and mild facial puffiness over a period of 2 months. On further investigating he was found to have right‐sided centrally located mass with cystic and necrotic changes with extension and compression of trachea, SVC, right upper lobe bronchus and its branches. Histopathological examination of the biopsy from the lesion revealed adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung. Rest of the metastatic work up was within normal. Immunohistochemistry of the specimen revealed c‐Kit positivity. In view of the morbid second surgery he was put on Imatinib 400mg once a day and celecoxib 200mg twice a day. After 4 months patient had partial response and presently continuing with the same regimen. Extensive literature search didn't reveal much information on combined primary mediastinal sarcoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma of lung.
Solid organ transplant patients: are there opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship?
Authors: So Miranda , Yang Daisy Yu , Bell Chaim , Humar Atul , Morris Andrew , Husain Shahid 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveRising incidence of Clostridium difficile and multidrug‐resistant organisms' infections and a dwindling development of new antimicrobials are an impetus for antimicrobial stewardship in organ transplant recipients. We sought to understand antimicrobial prescribing practices and identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration among the transplant, antimicrobial stewardship, and infectious diseases teams.MethodsIn 2013, two assessors conducted four real‐time audits on all antimicrobial therapy in transplant patients, assessing each regimen against stewardship principles established by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, supplemented by applicable transplant‐specific infection guidelines. Chi‐square test was used to compare stewardship‐concordant and stewardship‐discordant audit results relative to transplant infectious diseases consultation.ResultsAnalysis was performed on 176 audits. Fifty‐eight percent (103/176) received at least one antimicrobial, of which 69.9% (72/103) were stewardship‐concordant. Infections were confirmed or suspected in 52.3% (92/176). Of those, 98.9% (91/92) received antimicrobials, and 41.8% (38/91) were prescribed by transplant clinicians. Infectious diseases consultation was associated with more stewardship‐concordant prescriptions (78.5% vs. 59.6%, p = 0.03). The most common stewardship‐discordant categories were lack of de‐escalation, empiric antimicrobial spectrum being too broad, and therapy duration being too long.ConclusionsOpportunities exist for antimicrobial stewardship in transplant recipients, especially those who do not require infectious diseases consultation.
Embryos aggregation improves development and imprinting gene expression in mouse parthenogenesis
Authors: Bai Guang‐Yu , Song Si‐Hang , Wang Zhen‐Dong , Shan Zhi‐Yan , Sun Rui‐Zhen , Liu Chun‐Jia , Wu Yan‐Shuang , Li Tong , Lei Lei 
Published: March 2016

Mouse parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PgESCs) could be applied to study imprinting genes and are used in cell therapy. Our previous study found that stem cells established by aggregation of two parthenogenetic embryos at 8‐cell stage (named as a2PgESCs) had a higher efficiency than that of PgESCs, and the paternal expressed imprinting genes were observably upregulated. Therefore, we propose that increasing the number of parthenogenetic embryos in aggregation may improve the development of parthenogenetic mouse and imprinting gene expression of PgESCs. To verify this hypothesis, we aggregated four embryos together at the 4‐cell stage and cultured to the blastocyst stage (named as 4aPgB). qPCR detection showed that the expression of imprinting genes Igf2, Mest, Snrpn, Igf2r, H19, Gtl2 in 4aPgB were more similar to that of fertilized blastocyst (named as fB) compared to 2aPgB (derived from two 4‐cell stage parthenogenetic embryos aggregation) or PgB (single parthenogenetic blastocyst). Post‐implantation development of 4aPgB extended to 11 days of gestation. The establishment efficiency of GFP‐a4PgESCs which derived from GFP‐4aPgB is 62.5%. Moreover, expression of imprinting genes Igf2, Mest, Snrpn, notably downregulated and approached the level of that in fertilized embryonic stem cells (fESCs). In addition, we acquired a 13.5‐day fetus totally derived from GFP‐a4PgESCs with germline contribution by 8‐cell under zona pellucida (ZP) injection. In conclusion, four embryos aggregation improves parthenogenetic development, and compensates imprinting genes expression in PgESCs. It implied that a4PgESCs could serve as a better scientific model applied in translational medicine and imprinting gene study.