bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adsorptive granulocyte/monocyte apheresis use in severe ulcerative colitis and determination of changes in plasma cytokines
Authors: Beltrán Belén , Sáez‐González Esteban , Moret Inés , Díaz‐Jaime Francia C. , Alvarez‐Sotomayor Diego , Cerrillo Elena , Iborra Marisa , Bastida Guillermo , Aguas Mariam , Nos Pilar 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDespite controversy regarding the use of granulocyte/monocyte adsorption (GMA) in inflammatory bowel disease, some studies have shown favorable outcomes when it is used in steroid‐dependent patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The mechanisms responsible for such outcomes are not well characterized, but changes in immune cell populations and cytokine levels have been suggested to play an important role. We report the cases of 3 patients with chronically active severe UC who underwent GMA due to an inadequate response to standard and rescue therapy, as well as changes to their plasma cytokine profile. All the patients presented severe UC that was only partially responsive to various immunosuppressive drugs, and they were, therefore, referred for colectomy; however, all 3 refused this option, which led to the compassionate use of GMA as a last therapeutic resort. Following GMA treatment, rapid normalization of the clinical, endoscopic and laboratory parameters was observed in all the patients. Despite having achieved a good response, most cytokines remained at high concentrations after GMA, and only two, IL‐6 and IL‐8, showed a clear decrease throughout the GMA sessions. In view of this outcome, we hypothesize that GMA can help to lower the inflammatory load, thereby enhancing the effect of biologic drugs. To confirm this hypothesis and explore further indications for GMA, we propose the need for research directed toward the characterization of immune cell populations and their specific cytokine production rather than global cytokine assessment.
Curcumin: A Naturally Occurring Modulator of Adipokines in Diabetes
Authors: Hajavi Jafar , Momtazi Amir Abbas , Johnston Thomas P. , Banach Maciej , Majeed Muhammed , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTCurcumin, the bioactive component of turmeric, has been used for the treatment of several diseases including diabetes and its complications. Curcumin has been shown to exert pleiotropic effects by modulating different signaling molecules, including transcription factors, chemokines, cytokines, and adipokines. Disturbed regulation of adipokines, which include adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin, are implicated in the development of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Here, we review the findings of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the modulating effects that curcumin treatment exerts on adipokines. Additionally, we examine the potential beneficial effects of the activity of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its comorbidities. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4170–4182, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative study of the influence of salt concentration on the performance of an osmotic membrane bioreactor and a sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Soler‐Cabezas José L , Luján‐Facundo Maria J , Mendoza‐Roca José A , Vincent‐Vela Maria C , Pastor‐Alcañiz Laura 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDAn osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) is a wastewater treatment technique that presents low energy requirements, low membrane fouling and high removal of nutrients and organic matter. However, reverse salt flux is the main disadvantage because it causes conductivity increase in the bioreactor. This study compares the performance of a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and an OMBR in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, soluble microbial products (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production. For that, the influent conductivity in the SBR was increased as this increases conductivity in the osmotic membrane bioreactor.RESULTSComparing the results obtained at two mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentrations in terms of membrane fouling, a concentration of 5 g L−1 of MLSS was chosen for the comparison with the SBR. The SBR achieved slightly higher COD removal efficiencies than the OMBR is spite of the accumulation of cellular debris in the membrane bioreactor. The accumulation of SMP and EPS in the OMBR was also higher than in the SBR due to the cellular debris and organic matter accumulation. In both reactors the microbial activity measured in terms of standard oxygen uptake rate decreased due to the increase of salt concentration in the bioreactor.CONCLUSIONSAs a conclusion, OMBR will be especially feasible when the draw solution is a residual stream of the same industry, like tannery wastewater or table olive processing. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Non‐contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI of myocardial radiofrequency ablation lesions
Authors: Guttman Michael A. , Tao Susumu , Fink Sarah , Kolandaivelu Aravindan , Halperin Henry R. , Herzka Daniel A. 
Published: May 2017

PurposeTo demonstrate imaging of radiofrequency ablation lesions with non‐contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (T1w) MRI.MethodsFifteen swine underwent left ventricular ablation followed by MRI using different preparations: endocardial or epicardial ablation of naïve animal, or endocardial ablation of animal with myocardial infarction. Lesion imaging was performed using free‐breathing, non‐contrast‐enhanced, T1w sequence with long inversion time (TI). Also acquired were T1 maps and delayed contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging. Hearts were excised for ex vivo imaging, and sliced for gross pathology and histology.ResultsAll ablations were visibly enhanced in non‐contrast‐enhanced T1w imaging using TI = 700 ms. T1w enhancement agreed with regions of necrosis in gross pathology and histology. Enhanced lesion cores were surrounded by dark bands containing contraction band necrosis, hematoma, and edema. In animals with myocardial infarction, chronic scar was hypointense in T1w, whereas acute ablations were enhanced, allowing discrimination between chronic scar and acute lesions, unlike DCE. Contrast was sufficient to create 3D volume renderings of lesions after minor postprocessing.ConclusionsNon‐contrast‐enhanced T1w imaging with long TI promises to be an effective method for visualizing necrosis within radiofrequency ablation lesions. Enhancement is more specific and stationary than that from DCE. The imaging can be repeated as needed, unlike DCE, and may be especially useful for assessing ablations during or after a procedure. Magn Reson Med 79:879–889, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Renal medullary carcinoma: A national analysis of 159 patients
Authors: Ezekian Brian , Englum Brian , Gilmore Brian F. , Nag Uttara P. , Kim Jina , Leraas Harold J. , Routh Jonathan C. , Rice Henry E. , Tracy Elisabeth T. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundRenal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is an aggressive malignancy seen predominantly in young males with sickle cell trait. RMC is poorly understood, with fewer than 220 cases described in the medical literature to date. We used a large national registry to define the typical presentation, treatments, and outcomes of this rare tumor.MethodsThe National Cancer Database was queried for patients under 40 years of age diagnosed with RMC from 1998 to 2011. An analysis of patient and tumor characteristics, treatment details, and overall survival (OS) was undertaken, and factors associated with mortality were identified using multivariable regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 159 patients with RMC were identified, of whom a majority were male (71%), African American (87%), and had metastatic disease (71%). Median tumor size was 6 cm and median survival was 7.7 months. Most patients underwent surgery (60%) and chemotherapy (65%). Few patients received radiation (12%). Patients with metastatic disease had a significantly worse median survival (4.7 vs. 17.8 months, P < 0.001) and were less likely to receive surgery (42% vs. 91%, P < 0.001). Age and tumor size did not appear to impact OS.ConclusionIn the largest cohort to date of patients with RMC, we found a dismal median survival of less than 8 months. Age and tumor size were not associated with OS. Metastatic disease at presentation was the main negative prognostic indicator in RMC and was present in a majority of patients at the time of diagnosis.
Evaluation of algorithms to identify incident cancer cases by using French health administrative databases
Authors: Ajrouche Aya , Estellat Candice , De Rycke Yann , Tubach Florence 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPurposeAdministrative databases are increasingly being used in cancer observational studies. Identifying incident cancer in these databases is crucial. This study aimed to develop algorithms to estimate cancer incidence by using health administrative databases and to examine the accuracy of the algorithms in terms of national cancer incidence rates estimated from registries.MethodsWe identified a cohort of 463 033 participants on 1 January 2012 in the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires (EGB; a representative sample of the French healthcare insurance system). The EGB contains data on long‐term chronic disease (LTD) status, reimbursed outpatient treatments and procedures, and hospitalizations (including discharge diagnoses, and costly medical procedures and drugs). After excluding cases of prevalent cancer, we applied 15 algorithms to estimate the cancer incidence rates separately for men and women in 2012 and compared them to the national cancer incidence rates estimated from French registries by indirect age and sex standardization.ResultsThe most accurate algorithm for men combined information from LTD status, outpatient anticancer drugs, radiotherapy sessions and primary or related discharge diagnosis of cancer, although it underestimated the cancer incidence (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 0.85 [0.80–0.90]). For women, the best algorithm used the same definition of the algorithm for men but restricted hospital discharge to only primary or related diagnosis with an additional inpatient procedure or drug reimbursement related to cancer and gave comparable estimates to those from registries (SIR 1.00 [0.94–1.06]).ConclusionThe algorithms proposed could be used for cancer incidence monitoring and for future etiological cancer studies involving French healthcare databases. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exosomes contribute to endothelial integrity and acute chest syndrome risk: Preliminary findings
Authors: Lapping‐Carr Gabrielle , Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Rangel Stephanie , Darlington Wendy , Beyer Eric C. , Peddinti Radhika , Cunningham John M. , Gozal David 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundAcute Chest Syndrome (ACS) is one of the leading causes of death among children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Disruption of microvascular integrity is critical to the pathophysiology of ACS, but the factors governing its phenotypic variability are incompletely understood. Because circulating exosomes have been implicated in vascular dysfunction in various diseases, we hypothesized that exosomes induce endothelial dysfunction in patients who experience ACS.ProcedureCross‐sectional cohort study including 33 outpatients with SCD (without new health‐related complaints or recent transfusions) and a cohort of control patients. Exosomes were isolated from platelet‐free plasma.ResultsImageStream showed that exosome counts were greatly increased in patients with SCD compared with controls, but there were few differences in the concentrations of exosomes between patients who had experienced ACS (ACS(+)) and those who had not (ACS(−)). Exosomes were added to human microvascular endothelial cells, and the exosomal effects on monolayer integrity was determined using Electric Cell‐substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS). Exosomes from SCD patients without ACS differed minimally from control patients; however, exosomes from ACS(+) decreased endothelial cell resistance compared to ACS(−), (Relative resistance: ACS(+): 0.981 ± 0.055 vs ACS(−): 1.124 ± 0.042; P = 0.006). Treatment of endothelial cultures with exosomes from ACS(−) patients increased endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression, while ACS(+)‐derived exosomes were not able to increase eNOS expression above that of controls.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that patients with SCD have circulating exosomes that produce differential effects that may contribute to the pathophysiology of ACS and may serve as risk‐related biomarkers.
Complete heart block complicating the acute phase of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: Karatza Ageliki A. , Kiaffas Maria , Rammos Spyros 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus is the most common pathogen causing lower respiratory tract infection in infants. In recent years, the importance of extrapulmonary complications and longterm sequelae including those involving the cardiovascular system has become apparent. We report on a 10 month old infant with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis, the acute phase of which was complicated by irreversible complete heart block, which was managed conservatively.
Does agricultural use of azole fungicides contribute to resistance in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus?
Authors: Hollomon Derek 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAzole resistance in human fungal pathogens has increased over the past twenty years, especially in immunocompromised patients. Similarities between medical and agricultural azoles, and extensive azole (14α‐demethylase inhibitor, DMI) use in crop protection, prompted speculation that resistance in patients with aspergillosis originated in the environment. Aspergillus species, and especially Aspergillus fumigatus, are the largest cause of patient deaths from fungi. Azole levels in soils following crop spraying, and differences in sensitivity between medical and agricultural azoles (DMIs), indicate weaker selection in cropping systems than in patients receiving azole therapy. Most fungi have just one CYP51 paralogue (isozyme CYP51B), but in Aspergillus sp. mutations conferring azole resistance are largely confined to a second paralogue, CYP51A. Binding within the active centre is similar for medical and agricultural azoles but differences elsewhere between the two paralogues may ensure selection depends on the DMI used on crops. Two imidazoles, imazalil and prochloraz, have been widely used since the early 1970s, yet unlike triazoles they have not been linked to resistance in patients. Evidence that DMIs are the origin, or increase the frequency, of azole resistance in human fungal pathogens is lacking. Limiting DMI use would have serious impacts on disease control in many crops, and remove key tools in anti‐resistance strategies. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Robotic guided waterjet cutting technique for high tibial dome osteotomy: A pilot study
Authors: Suero Eduardo M. , Westphal Ralph , Zaremba David , Citak Musa , Hawi Nael , Citak Mustafa , Stuebig Timo , Krettek Christian , Liodakis Emmanouil 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundOscillating saws generate high levels of heat (up to 150°C), which can lead to tissue necrosis, delayed healing and infection. Abrasive waterjet‐cutting techniques have been described as a new tool to perform bone cuts, with less heat generation.MethodsFour lower‐limbs of four human alcohol conserved cadavers were tested. Navigation references were attached to the tibia and an intraoperative fluoroscopy‐based 3D scan was obtained. A 1.2 mm diameter nozzle was attached to a robotic arm, which was guided to follow a pre‐specified path. In addition, a self‐designed jet‐absorber was applied to protect the posterior neurovascular structures. Magnesium was added as an abrasive substance to improve the cutting ability of the waterjet.ResultsIn all four cadavers, the osteotomies could be carried out as planned, resulting in smooth cut surfaces. No damage to the soft‐tissues was observed.ConclusionsThe advantages of abrasive waterjet‐cutting give it great potential in orthopaedic surgery. A current disadvantage is the amount of magnesium solute that is left on the surgical field and can be harmful to the patient.
Physicochemical Nature of Perfluoroalkyl Compounds Induced by Fluorine
Authors: Hasegawa Takeshi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPerfluoroalkyl (Rf) compounds have unique characters represented by a significantly high hydrophobic property, which often makes us consider that Rf groups should be interacted with each other via the ‘hydrophobic interaction’ as found for a normal hydrocarbon. Due to a similar intuitive and simplistic speculation, the Rf‐specific material properties have long been enveloped in darkness for comprehensive understanding, which should lucidly be discussed within a framework of physical chemistry. Here, we show studies on the stratified dipole arrays (SDA) theory, which readily explains the Rf‐specific material characters in a comprehensive manner based on only a few fundamental physical parameters of fluorine. The SDA theory encompasses some conventional theories that account for only a part of material properties. In addition, we show that the concept of vibrational spectroscopy of Rf compounds should also be revised, since the mass of fluorine is larger than that of carbon, which is opposite to the hydrocarbon case. In this manner, chemistry of Rf compounds needs another fully revised concept, which cannot be replaced by an extended concept of normal hydrocarbon compounds.
Collaborative Workspaces to Accelerate Discovery
Authors: Meade Bernard , Fluke Christopher , Cooke Jeff , Andreoni Igor , Pritchard Tyler , Curtin Christopher , Bernard Stephanie R. , Asher Albany , Mack Katherine J. , Murphy Michael T. , Vohl Dany , Codoreanu Alex , Kotuš Srđan M. , Rumokoy Fanuel , Horst Chuck , Reynolds Tristan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBy applying a display ecology to the Deeper, Wider, Faster proactive, simultaneous telescope observing campaign, we have shown a dramatic reduction in the time taken to inspect DECam CCD images for potential transient candidates and to produce time-critical triggers to standby telescopes. We also show how facilitating rapid corroboration of potential candidates and the exclusion of non-candidates improves the accuracy of detection; and establish that a practical and enjoyable workspace can improve the experience of an otherwise taxing task for astronomers. We provide a critical road test of two advanced displays in a research context—a rare opportunity to demonstrate how they can be used rather than simply discuss how they might be used to accelerate discovery.
High dietary arachidonic acid levels induce changes in complex lipids and immune-related eicosanoids and increase levels of oxidised metabolites in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Adam Anne-Catrin , Lie Kai K. , Moren Mari , Skjærven Kaja H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study explores the effect of high dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) levels (high ARA) compared with low dietary ARA levels (control) on the general metabolism using zebrafish as the model organism. The fatty acid composition of today’s ‘modern diet’ tends towards higher n-6 PUFA levels in relation to n-3 PUFA. Low dietary n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio is a health concern, as n-6 PUFA give rise to eicosanoids and PG, which are traditionally considered pro-inflammatory, especially when derived from ARA. Juvenile zebrafish fed a high-ARA diet for 17 d had a lower whole-body n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio compared with zebrafish fed a low-ARA (control) diet (0·6 in the control group v. 0·2 in the high-ARA group). Metabolic profiling revealed altered levels of eicosanoids, PUFA, dicarboxylic acids and complex lipids such as glycerophospholipids and lysophospholipids as the most significant differences compared with the control group. ARA-derived hydroxylated eicosanoids, such as hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids, were elevated in response to high-ARA feed. In addition, increased levels of oxidised lipids and amino acids indicated an oxidised environment due to n-6 PUFA excess in the fish. To conclude, our results indicate that an ARA-enriched diet induces changes in complex lipids and immune-related eicosanoids and increases levels of oxidised lipids and amino acids, suggesting oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.
Intra- and interspecific similarity in species composition of helminth communities in two closely-related rodents from South Africa
Authors: SPICKETT ANDREA , JUNKER KERSTIN , KRASNOV BORIS R. , HAUKISALMI VOITTO , MATTHEE SONJA 
Published: May 2017

SUMMARYTo reveal factors responsible for spatial variation in parasite community composition we studied patterns of similarity in helminth species composition in two closely-related rodents (Rhabdomys pumilioandRhabdomys dilectus) that differ in their social and spatial behaviour and live under different environmental conditions across 20 localities in South Africa. We asked whether the two hosts harbour similar assemblages, whether these are more dissimilar between than within hosts and if host social structure, behaviour or environment affects similarity patterns in helminth infracommunities within and among localities. We also investigated whether similarity in species composition of helminth component communities decreases with an increase of geographic distance between host populations. We found that the pattern of space use by the hosts rather than their social behaviour promotes differences in helminth species composition between host species as well as among host populations from different localities. The rate of distance decay of similarity in species composition of helminth component communities differed between the two hosts due to difference in the degree of environmental variation across their geographic ranges. We conclude that patterns of spatial variation in helminth species composition are driven mainly by host spatial behaviour and, to a lesser extent, by environment-associated factors.
First Polish Greenland Expedition 1937: on the 80th anniversary of the event
Authors: Migała Krzysztof , Sawiński Tymoteusz , Piasecki Jacek 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the first Polish expedition to Greenland in 1937. The fieldwork was carried out in western Greenland at the eastern edge of Arfersiorfik Fjord between Disko Bay in the north and Nordre Strömfjord in the south. The main goal was to undertake a comprehensive study of a fragment of the Greenland ice sheet edge and its foreland focusing on a cartographic survey. The first ever map of this region entitled The Polish expedition to give new names. In the post-war history, expedition members exerted great influence on the development of Polish polar research.
The role of cognitive control in anaphor resolution in children with specific language impairment
Authors: LADÁNYI ENIKŐ , KAS BENCE , LUKÁCS ÁGNES 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTWe studied anaphor resolution and its relationship with cognitive control abilities in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing (TD) children. In a sentence–picture verification task assessing anaphor interpretation, the SLI group was less successful than age-matched TD peers, and displayed similar performance patterns as younger TD children in previous studies. The SLI group showed weaknesses in nonlinguistic cognitive control tasks, which were associated with anaphor interpretation results. These findings are in contrast with the view that proposes a grammar-specific deficit behind anaphor resolution problems in SLI. We suggest that anaphor interpretation in this population is delayed but not atypical, and this delay can be partly explained by weaker cognitive control abilities.