bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of shear wave elastography as a quantitative diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Kuwahara Takamichi , Hirooka Yoshiki , Kawashima Hiroki , Ohno Eizaburo , Ishikawa Takuya , Yamamura Takeshi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Funasaka Kohei , Nakamura Masanao , Miyahara Ryoji , Watanabe Osamu , Ishigami Masatoshi , Hashimoto Senju , Goto Hidemi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground and AimChronic pancreatitis (CP) is sometimes diagnosed at the progressed stage. For the early diagnosis of CP, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) may be a useful method, but its diagnostic criteria is based on subjective judgment. Shear wave elastography (SW‐EG) using transabdominal ultrasonography, which quantifies tissue elasticity as an absolute value, may be an objective and noninvasive method for the diagnosis of CP.MethodsEighty‐five patients with known or suspected CP who underwent both EUS and SW‐EG from October 2012 to July 2016 were included in this study. Patients were categorized into four stages using Rosemont classification and into three stages using Japan Pancreas Society clinical diagnostic criteria 2009 that was EUS‐based criteria for the diagnosis of CP. SW‐EG was measured five times in the pancreatic parenchyma, and the median value was defined as the pancreatic elastic modulus (PEM).ResultsPancreatic elastic modulus was significantly positively correlated with Rosemont classification stage (rs = 0.54), Japan Pancreas Society stage (rs = 0.41), and the number of EUS features (rs = 0.47). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the accuracy of SW‐EG (consistent with CP and suggestive of CP vs normal and indeterminate for CP) was 0.77 (sensitivity 77.1%, specificity 64.9%). In a multivariate linear regression analysis including various EUS features related to PEM, hyperechoic foci with shadowing and lobularity with honeycombing were independent features related to PEM.ConclusionsChronic pancreatitis may be diagnosed noninvasively and objectively using SW‐EG without performing EUS.
Registration of phase‐contrast images in propagation‐based X‐ray phase tomography
Authors: WEBER L. , HÄNSCH A. , WOLFRAM U. , PACUREANU A. , CLOETENS P. , PEYRIN F. , RIT S. , LANGER M. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryX‐ray phase tomography aims at reconstructing the 3D electron density distribution of an object. It offers enhanced sensitivity compared to attenuation‐based X‐ray absorption tomography. In propagation‐based methods, phase contrast is achieved by letting the beam propagate after interaction with the object. The phase shift is then retrieved at each projection angle, and subsequently used in tomographic reconstruction to obtain the refractive index decrement distribution, which is proportional to the electron density. Accurate phase retrieval is achieved by combining images at different propagation distances. For reconstructions of good quality, the phase‐contrast images recorded at different distances need to be accurately aligned. In this work, we characterise the artefacts related to misalignment of the phase‐contrast images, and investigate the use of different registration algorithms for aligning in‐line phase‐contrast images. The characterisation of artefacts is done by a simulation study and comparison with experimental data. Loss in resolution due to vibrations is found to be comparable to attenuation‐based computed tomography. Further, it is shown that registration of phase‐contrast images is nontrivial due to the difference in contrast between the different images, and the often periodical artefacts present in the phase‐contrast images if multilayer X‐ray optics are used. To address this, we compared two registration algorithms for aligning phase‐contrast images acquired by magnified X‐ray nanotomography: one based on cross‐correlation and one based on mutual information. We found that the mutual information‐based registration algorithm was more robust than a correlation‐based method.
Differential interference contrast‐photothermal microscopy in nanospace: impacts of systematic parameters
Authors: LIU M. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryDifferential interference contrast‐photothermal microscopy (DIC‐PTM), as a promising tool for trace analysis of nonfluorescent compounds, suffered low sensitivity in nanospace especially for aqueous samples, due to the poor thermophysical property of water and the unoptimised configuration. To improve its performance, a five‐layer DIC‐PTM model is built and influences of different parameters on the photothermal signal are investigated. The initial phase shift φ0 between two branches of the probe beam is found to be a key factor determining the detection sensitivity and response linearity: at a large φ0 (≤π/2) both a high sensitivity and a good linearity can be achieved, while a high signal‐to‐noise ratio occurs at a small φ0. The steady‐state photothermal phase shift φdc has little impact on the linearity, which, however, is greatly influenced by the range of periodic photothermal phase shift φac. By introducing two coatings into a nanospace to confine the photothermal effect within and around the sample, the sensitivity can be enhanced from a few times to over 100 times. On an optimised DIC‐PTM configuration and chip structure, detection limit down to 10−3 cm−1 (or 40 molecules in a detection volume of 0.2 fL) was achieved in a 300‐nm‐thick nanospace. This work paves a way for optimising the DIC‐PTM and chip structure for sensitive detection of analytes in nanospaces.
Sigma‐1 receptor ligands inhibit catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells due to block of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Brindley Rebecca L. , Bauer Mary Beth , Hartley Nolan D. , Horning Kyle J. , Currie Kevin P.M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAdrenal chromaffin cells (ACCs) are the neuroendocrine arm of the sympathetic nervous system and key mediators of the physiological stress response. Acetylcholine (ACh) released from preganglionic splanchnic nerves activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on chromaffin cells causing membrane depolarization, opening voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC), and exocytosis of catecholamines and neuropeptides. The serotonin transporter is expressed in ACCs and interacts with 5‐HT1A receptors to control secretion. In addition to blocking the serotonin transporter, some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also agonists at sigma‐1 receptors which function as intracellular chaperone proteins and can translocate to the plasma membrane to modulate ion channels. Therefore, we investigated whether SSRIs and other sigma‐1 receptor ligands can modulate stimulus‐secretion coupling in ACCs. Escitalopram and fluvoxamine (100 nM to 1 μM) reversibly inhibited nAChR currents. The sigma‐1 receptor antagonists NE‐100 and BD‐1047 also blocked nAChR currents (≈ 50% block at 100 nM) as did PRE‐084, a sigma‐1 receptor agonist. Block of nAChR currents by fluvoxamine and NE‐100 was not additive suggesting a common site of action. VGCC currents were unaffected by the drugs. Neither the increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] nor the resulting catecholamine secretion evoked by direct membrane depolarization to bypass nAChRs was altered by fluvoxamine or NE‐100. However, both Ca2+ entry and catecholamine secretion evoked by the cholinergic agonist carbachol were significantly reduced by fluvoxamine or NE‐100. Together, our data suggest that sigma‐1 receptors do not acutely regulate catecholamine secretion. Rather, SSRIs and other sigma‐1 receptor ligands inhibit secretion evoked by cholinergic stimulation because of direct block of Ca2+entry via nAChRs.
image
LPA1 is a key mediator of intracellular signalling and neuroprotection triggered by tetracyclic antidepressants in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Olianas Maria C. , Dedoni Simona , Onali Pierluigi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBoth lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and antidepressants have been shown to affect neuronal survival and differentiation, but whether LPA signalling participates in the action of antidepressants is still unknown. In this study, we examined the role of LPA receptors in the regulation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activity and neuronal survival by the tetracyclic antidepressants, mianserin and mirtazapine in hippocampal neurons. In HT22 immortalized hippocampal cells, antidepressants and LPA induced a time‐ and concentration‐dependent stimulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. This response was inhibited by either LPA1 and LPA1/3 selective antagonists or siRNA‐induced LPA1 down‐regulation, and enhanced by LPA1 over‐expression. Conversely, the selective LPA2 antagonist H2L5186303 had no effect. Antidepressants induced cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation and this response was prevented by LPA1 blockade. ERK1/2 stimulation involved pertussis toxin‐sensitive G proteins, Src tyrosine kinases and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF‐R) activity. Tyrosine phosphorylation of FGF‐R was enhanced by antidepressants through LPA1. Serum withdrawal induced apoptotic death, as indicated by increased annexin V staining, caspase activation and cleavage of poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase. Antidepressants inhibited the apoptotic cascade and this protective effect was curtailed by blockade of either LPA1, ERK1/2 or FGF‐R activity. Moreover, in primary mouse hippocampal neurons, mianserin acting through LPA1 increased phospho‐ERK1/2 and protected from apoptosis induced by removal of growth supplement. These data indicate that in neurons endogenously expressed LPA1 receptors mediate intracellular signalling and neuroprotection by tetracyclic antidepressants.
image
Nursing care for stroke patients: A survey of current practice in 11 European countries
Authors: Tulek Zeliha , Poulsen Ingrid , Gillis Katrin , Jönsson Ann‐Cathrin 
Published: August 2017

Aims and objectivesTo conduct a survey of the clinical nursing practice in European countries in accordance with the European Stroke Strategies 2006 and to examine to what extent the European Stroke Strategies have been implemented in stroke care nursing in Europe.BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. Optimal organisation of interdisciplinary stroke care is expected to ameliorate outcome after stroke. Consequently, universal access to stroke care based on evidence‐based guidelines is a priority.DesignThis study is a descriptive cross‐sectional survey.MethodsA questionnaire comprising 61 questions based on the European Stroke Strategies and scientific evidence in nursing practice was distributed to representatives of the European Association of Neuroscience Nurses, who sent the questionnaire to nurses active in stroke care. The questionnaire covered the following areas of stroke care: organisation of stroke services, management of acute stroke and prevention including basic care and nursing, and secondary prevention.ResultsNinety‐two nurses in stroke care in 11 European countries participated in the survey. Within the first 48 hr after stroke onset, 95% monitor patients regularly, 94% start mobilisation after 24 hr when patients are stable, and 89% assess patients’ ability to swallow. Change of position for immobile patients is followed by 73%, and postvoid residual urine volume is measured by 85%. Some aspects needed improvement, for example, staff education (70%), education for patients/families/carers (55%) and individual care plans in secondary prevention (62%).ConclusionsThe participating European countries comply well with the European Stroke Strategies guidelines, particularly in the acute stroke care, but not all stroke units have reached optimal development in all aspects of stroke care nursing.Relevance to clinical practiceOur study may provide clinical administrators and nurses in stroke care with information that may contribute to improved compliance with the European Stroke Strategies and evidence‐based guidelines.
An interview‐based study of nonattendance at screening for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in older women: Nonattendees’ perspectives
Authors: Dahl Marie , Lindholt Jes , Søgaard Rikke , Frost Lars , Andersen Lene Søndergaard , Lorentzen Vibeke 
Published: August 2017

Aims and objectivesThis study explored nonattendees’ perspectives on a screening programme for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus among women aged 60–77 years.BackgroundNonattendance in screening is a common concern and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Whether nonattendees need targeted information to participate in screening is unknown. Thus, it is important to explore the reasons for nonattendance, particularly as nonattendees’ perspectives have not been fully explored.DesignAn interview study.MethodsThe data were obtained through semistructured interviews with 10 women sampled from a population who declined to participate in a women's screening programme for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Additionally, reflective notes on the interview context were documented. The data were collected in 2013. Kvale and Brinkmann's method for data analysis was applied.ResultsAll informants found the screening offer personally irrelevant, but this belief was changeable. The informants’ perceptions of screening were based on subjective health and risk beliefs, personal knowledge of diseases and the screening programme, and distrust in the healthcare system.ConclusionPersonal experiences, beliefs and self‐protective strategies influence individuals’ subjective interpretations of a screening programme's relevance. The perception that screening is irrelevant seems to be rooted in nonattendees’ personal health‐related assessment and knowledge. Consequently, whether nonattendance is determined by an informed decision is questionable. Negative experiences with the healthcare system led to hesitation towards screening in general.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study is relevant to healthcare workers as well as decision‐makers from a screening and preventive perspective. The findings highlight important issues that should be addressed to encourage invitees to accept screening invitations and to facilitate informed decision‐making about screening participation.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide attenuates chemotherapy‐induced ovarian injury by reducing oxidative stress
Authors: Yang Dong‐mei , Zhang Jing‐qin , Fei Yi‐fei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimWe aimed to examine the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) and to investigate the underlying mechanism.MethodsA total of 240 female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: the control group, the CTX‐induced ovarian injury (OI) group, and three LBP groups. Different concentrations of LBP solution were administered to the LBP groups by gastric infusion for 15 days, and the OI group and LBP groups were then subjected to CTX treatment for another 15 days. On days 7, 14, and 28 after CTX injection, femoral vein blood and ovarian tissues were collected for the measurements of antioxidant enzymes and oxidation products. Serum indicators were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; and Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1, and quinone oxidoreductase 1 protein levels were detected by Western blot analysis.ResultsLBP attenuated CTX‐induced ovarian damage and reversed associated adverse effects. LBP reduced oxidative stress by enhancing the potency of antioxidant enzymes and attenuating elevated levels of oxidation products following CTX injection. Furthermore, LBP upregulated Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1, and quinone oxidoreductase 1 protein expression.ConclusionLBP exerts protective effects against CTX‐induced ovarian injury by reducing oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2/ARE‐signaling pathway.
Perinatal mortality in Japanese women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Morikawa Mamoru , Sugiyama Takashi , Sagawa Norimasa , Hiramatsu Yuji , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Hamada Hiromi , Kameda Takashi , Hara Emiko , Toda Shigeru , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study was to determine how many pregnant Japanese women with diabetes mellitus (DM)/gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) experience perinatal mortality in the presence of fetal anomalies.MethodsOur investigation included data from 205 secondary/tertiary obstetric facilities located widely in Japan. The Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Vital Statistics of Japan was used for comparison.ResultsOf 237 941 women giving birth at 205 hospitals, 1796 (0.8%) and 13 037 (5.5%) had DM and GDM, respectively. The perinatal mortality rates (per 1000 births) were 10.6 (19/1796) for women with DM, 5.2 (68/13037) for women with GDM, and 3.7 (7612/2039504) for the general Japanese population. Detailed information was available for 63 (72%) of the 87 perinatal deaths occurring in women with diabetes including DM and GDM; fetal anomalies were associated with 40% (25/63) of perinatal deaths, exceeding 16% (1211/7612) in the general Japanese population (P < 0.0001). The leading four fetal anomalies associated with perinatal mortality in women with diabetes were fetal trisomy (6 cases: 1 of trisomy‐13 and 5 of trisomy‐18), non‐immune hydrops fetalis (5 cases), cardiac deformities (3 cases) and holoprosencephaly (2 cases).ConclusionsPerinatal mortality was more likely to occur in women with glucose intolerance. In the Japanese infants that succumbed to perinatal mortality, fetal anomaly was more prevalent in those born to women with a glucose intolerance than in those born to the general population.
Primary osteosarcoma of the uterine cervix: A case report
Authors: Tsuji Keita , Watanabe Yoh , Tokunaga Hideki , Shimada Muneaki , Watanabe Mika , Yaegashi Nobuo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPrimary osteosarcoma of the uterine cervix is extremely rare. Only 20 cases have been reported, 19 of which originated in the uterine corpus. We report a case of primary uterine cervical osteosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis in a 30‐year‐old nulligravida woman. The initial diagnosis was carcinosarcoma of the uterine cervix, as detected by cervical cytology and biopsy analysis. We performed a total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and colostomy without macroscopic residual tumors in the abdominal cavity, but pelvic recurrent tumors appeared 14 days postoperatively. Both recurrent and metastatic tumors were effectively reduced by combination therapy of adriamycin with ifosfamide; however, the patient died as a result of of disease progression nine months after her first visit to our department.
Fingolimod against endotoxin‐induced fetal brain injury in a rat model
Authors: Yavuz And , Sezik Mekin , Ozmen Ozlem , Asci Halil 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimFingolimod is a sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor modulator used for multiple sclerosis treatment and acts on cellular processes such as apoptosis, endothelial permeability, and inflammation. We hypothesized that fingolimod has a positive effect on alleviating preterm fetal brain injury.MethodsSixteen pregnant rats were divided into four groups of four rats each. On gestational day 17, i.p. endotoxin was injected to induce fetal brain injury, followed by i.p. fingolimod (4 mg/kg maternal weight). Hysterotomy for preterm delivery was performed 6 h after fingolimod. The study groups included (i) vehicle controls (i.p. normal saline only); (ii) positive controls (endotoxin plus saline); (iii) saline plus fingolimod; and (iv) endotoxin plus fingolimod treatment. Brain tissues of the pups were dissected for evaluation of interleukin (IL)‐6, caspase‐3, and S100β on immunohistochemistry.ResultsMaternal fingolimod treatment attenuated endotoxin‐related fetal brain injury and led to lower immunoreactions for IL‐6, caspase‐3, and S100β compared with endotoxin controls (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons).ConclusionAntenatal maternal fingolimod therapy had fetal neuroprotective effects by alleviating preterm birth‐related fetal brain injury with inhibitory effects on inflammation and apoptosis.
Expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors and cytokine production on endometrial natural killer cells in women with recurrent pregnancy loss or implantation failure, and the expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors on peripheral blood natural killer cells in pregnant women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Fukui Atsushi , Funamizu Ayano , Fukuhara Rie , Shibahara Hiroaki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimNatural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR) are unique markers that regulate natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production. In this study, we investigated the expression of NCR (NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30) and cytokine production in NK cells derived from the uterine endometrium of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). We also investigated the expression of NCR in peripheral blood NK cells in pregnant women with and without a history of RPL.MethodsThe expression of NCR (NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30) in NK cells (CD56dim and CD56bright) in the uterine endometrium was analyzed using 3‐color flow cytometry. Cytokine (tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ) production was also analyzed. NK cells from the mid‐secretory endometrium of 28 women with RPL, 34 women with implantation failure, and 74 controls were collected and mechanically dispersed using a tissue grinder. The expression of NCR in peripheral blood NK cells from pregnant women with (n = 17) and without (n = 91) a history of RPL was analyzed.ResultsThe percentages of NKp46+ NK cells were significantly lower in both women with RPL and pregnant women with a history of RPL. The percentages of tumor necrosis factor‐α‐ and/or interferon‐γ‐producing uterine endometrial NK cells were significantly lower in women with RPL compared with controls.ConclusionThe changes in NCR expression and cytokine production, especially decreased NKp46 expression in endometrial NK cells, suggests the presence of abnormal NK cell regulation in women with reproductive failures.
Mortality benefit of primary transportation to a PCI‐capable center persists through an eight‐year follow‐up in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Almawiri Abdulwasya , Jan Vojacek , Ziad Albahri , Martin Jakl , Josef Stasek 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare long‐term outcomes of primary transport (PT) and secondary transport (ST) in patients with STEMI.MethodWe assigned consecutive 869 patients referred for STEMI during a 2‐year period (2008‐2009). The primary endpoint was to compare long‐term outcomes and mortality of PT to a catheterization laboratory and ST from regional hospitals to a catheterization laboratory. Six hundred seventy‐seven patients (77.9%) were enrolled for the final evaluation, 192 (22.1%) having been excluded.ResultsThe median DBT was 34 ± 15.92 min for PT patients (n = 354) and 100 ± 28.82 min for ST patients (n = 323) (P < 0.005). One‐month mortality was 3.95% in the PT group versus 9.46% in the ST group (P = 0.002). One‐year mortality in the PT was 7.35% and 20.51% in the ST group (P < 0.005). Eight‐year mortality was in the PS 26.8% versus 32.6% in the ST group (P = 0.035). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 45 ± 12.14% versus 45 ± 12.48% (P = 0.21); creatine kinase (CK) was 22.78 ± 78.69 ukat/L versus 23.21 ± 82.61 ukat/L, (P = 0.58); and length of hospitalization was 4.98 ± 4.61 days in the PT group versus 5.25 ± 5.86 days in the ST group (P = 0.22). The air transport was used in the PT group (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.63‐1.09); and ST group (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.91‐1.40); P = 0.22). Time distribution of cardiac arrest median for PT 1432 days (n = 25) versus ST 266 (n = 31) P = 0.24.ConclusionThe mortality benefits of PT to a PCI capable hospital persist throughout an 8‐year follow‐up.