bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of Neutrophil CD64 Blood Biomarkers to Detect Mucosal Inflammation in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Minar Phillip , Jackson Kimberly , Tsai Yi-Ting , Sucharew Heidi , Rosen Michael J , Denson Lee A 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Background
In a pilot study, neutrophil CD64 surface expression was significantly elevated in newly diagnosed, pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease. We aimed to test the CD64 biomarkers (neutrophil CD64 surface expression and soluble CD64) as determinates for mucosal inflammation in a larger pediatric Crohn’s cohort with the hypotheses that the CD64 biomarkers would reliably detect intestinal inflammation and correlate with endoscopic severity scores.

Methods
We enrolled patients referred for colonoscopy for either suspected inflammatory bowel disease or with established Crohn’s. Neutrophil CD64 index was determined by flow cytometry using a commercial kit (Leuko64, Trillium) and soluble CD64 by ELISA (LifeSpan).

Results
A total of 209 patients (72 controls, 76 new inflammatory bowel disease patients, and 61 established Crohn’s) were enrolled. Both neutrophil CD64 index and soluble CD64 were significantly elevated in new Crohn’s compared with controls. The area under the curve (AUC) for neutrophil CD64 index ≥1 was 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.92), 75% sensitive and 89% specific for new Crohn’s. Comparatively, soluble CD64 ≥39 ng/mL was 92% sensitive and 85% specific (AUC, 0.93) for new Crohn’s. Neutrophil CD64 index, soluble CD64, and fecal calprotectin discriminated endoscopic inactive from moderate and severe activity while soluble CD64 differentiated endoscopic mild from moderate and severe activity. Neutrophil CD64 index (r = 0.46, P &lt; 0.001) and fecal calprotectin (r = 0.55, P &lt; 0.001) correlated well with the Simple Endoscopic Score–Crohn’s disease. Spearman correlation between the CD64 index and calprotectin was 0.39 (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
In a large Crohn’s disease cohort, we found that neutrophil CD64 index and soluble CD64 were significantly elevated during active gastrointestinal inflammation.
10.1093/ibd/izx022_video1 izx022.video1 5732761255001
Thiopurine Treatment in Ulcerative Colitis: A Critical Review of the Evidence for Current Clinical Practice
Authors: van Gennep Sara , de Boer Nanne K , D’Haens Geert R , Löwenberg Mark 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Background
Due to toxicity problems and controversial evidence, thiopurine use in ulcerative colitis (UC) has faced a lot of criticism. We present a critical review of the literature on efficacy of thiopurines in UC.

Methods
Studies evaluating therapeutic efficacy of thiopurine remission induction and/or maintenance treatment in UC were identified using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE.

Results
Out of 5 randomized trials on thiopurine induction treatment, 3 demonstrated a significant effect of thiopurine treatment vs mesalamine or placebo in steroid-dependent UC patients: (1) lower endoscopic activity scores, (2) higher clinical remission rates, and (3) more patients who discontinued steroids. Two found no significant difference in clinical and endoscopic remission of azathioprine compared with sulfasalazine or placebo in patients with active UC. Out of 7 randomized trials on thiopurine maintenance treatment, 4 demonstrated significant higher clinical and endoscopic remission rates in thiopurine-treated patients compared with placebo or mesalamine. Three found no significant difference in clinical and endoscopic remission of thiopurine maintenance treatment compared with sulfasalazine or placebo.

Conclusions
All studies that investigated thiopurine treatment in UC had shortcomings, such as lack of sufficient power, no use of blinding, allowed concomitant treatment with steroids, and no endoscopy to confirm active disease at study entry or to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Hence, current clinical practice of thiopurine treatment in UC is based on minimal and controversial evidence. This underscores the need for clinical studies with sufficient power and objective end points in order to determine efficacy of thiopurines in UC.
10.1093/ibd/izx025_video1 izx025.video1 5732762967001
Capsule Endoscopy, Magnetic Resonance Enterography, and Small Bowel Ultrasound for Evaluation of Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yung Diana E , Har-Noy Ofir , Tham Yuen Sau , Ben-Horin Shomron , Eliakim Rami , Koulaouzidis Anastasios , Kopylov Uri 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Background
Anastomotic recurrence is frequent in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) following ileocecal resection. The degree of endoscopic recurrence, quantified by the Rutgeerts score (RS), is correlated with the risk of clinical and surgical recurrence. Noninvasive modalities such as capsule endoscopy (CE), magnetic resonance enterography (MRE), and intestinal ultrasound (US) may yield similar information without the need for ileocolonoscopy (IC). The aim of our meta-analysis was to evaluate the accuracy of those modalities for detection of endoscopic recurrence in postoperative CD patients.

Methods
We performed a systematic literature search for studies comparing the accuracy of CE, MRE, and US with IC for detection of postoperative recurrence in CD. We calculated pooled diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) for each comparison.

Results
A total of 135 studies were retrieved; 14 studies were eligible for analysis. For CE, the pooled sensitivity was 100% (95% CI, 91%–100%), specificity was 69% (95% CI, 52%–83%), DOR was 30.8 (95% CI, 6.9–138), and AUC was 0.94. MRE had pooled sensitivity of 97% (95% CI, 89%–100%), specificity of 84% (95% CI, 62%–96%), DOR of 129.5 (95% CI, 16.4–1024.7), and AUC of 0.98. US had pooled sensitivity of 89% (95% CI, 85%–92%), specificity of 86% (95% CI, 78%–93%), DOR of 42.3 (95% CI, 18.6–96.0), and AUC 0.93.

Conclusions
CE, MRE, and US provide accurate assessment of postoperative endoscopic recurrence in CD. These modalities should gain wider use for detection of postoperative recurrence; the prognostic value of those diagnostic findings merits evaluation in further prospective studies.
Long-Term Outcomes After Primary Bowel Resection in Pediatric-Onset Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Rinawi Firas , Zevit Noam , Eliakim Rami , Niv Yaron , Shamir Raanan , Assa Amit 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited evidence on the long-term outcome of intestinal resection in pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease (POCD) with no established predictors of adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate clinical outcomes and predictors for adverse outcome following intestinal resection in POCD.MethodsThe medical records of patients with POCD who underwent at least 1 intestinal resection between 1990 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Main outcome measures included time to first flare, hospitalization, second intestinal resection, and response to nonprophylactic biologic therapy.ResultsOverall, 121 patients were included. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 1–23.6). One hundred and seven (88%) patients experienced at least 1 postsurgical exacerbation, 52 (43%) were hospitalized, and 17 (14%) underwent second intestinal resection. Of 91 patients who underwent surgery after the year 2000, 37 (41%) were treated with antitumor necrosis factor ɑ (anti-TNFɑ) (nonprophylactic) following intestinal resection. Time to hospitalization and to second intestinal resection were shorter among patients with extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) (HR 2.7, P = 0.006 and HR = 3.1, P = 0.03, respectively). Time to initiation of biologic treatment was shorter in patients with granulomas (HR 2.1, P = 0.038), whereas being naïve to anti-TNFɑ treatment before surgery was a protective factor for biologic treatment following surgery (HR 0.3, P = 0.005). Undergoing intestinal resection beyond the year 2000 was associated with shorter time to first flare (HR 1.9, P = 0.019) and hospitalization (HR 2.6, P = 0.028).ConclusionLong-term risk for flares, hospitalization, or biologic treatment is significant in POCD following bowel resection. EIMs increase the risk for hospitalization and second intestinal resection.
Genetic and Pharmacological Dissection of the Role of Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk) in Intestinal Inflammation and Immune Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Biagioli Michele , Mencarelli Andrea , Carino Adriana , Cipriani Sabrina , Marchianò Silvia , Fiorucci Chiara , Donini Annibale , Graziosi Luigina , Baldelli Franco , Distrutti Eleonora , Costantino Gabriele , Fiorucci Stefano 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe DNAX adaptor protein 12 (DAP12) is a transmembrane adaptor molecule that signals through the activation of Syk (Spleen Tyrosine Kinase) in myeloid cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of DAP12 and Syk pathways in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).MethodsDAP12 deficient and DAP12 transgenic, overexpressing an increased amount of DAP12, mice and Syk deficient mice in the C57/BL6 background were used for these studies. Colitis was induced by administering mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), in drinking water, or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), by intrarectal enema.ResultsAbundant expression of DAP12 and Syk was detected in colon samples obtained from Crohn’s disease patients with expression restricted to immune cells infiltrating the colonic wall. In rodents development of DSS colitis as measured by assessing severity of wasting diseases, global colitis score,and macroscopic and histology scores was robustly attenuated in DAP12-/- and Syk-/- mice. In contrast, DAP12 overexpression resulted in a striking exacerbation of colon damage caused by DSS. Induction of colon expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in response to DSS administration was attenuated in DAP12-/- and Syk-/- mice, whereas opposite results were observed in DAP12 transgenic mice. Treating wild-type mice with a DAP-12 inhibitor or a Syk inhibitor caused a robust attenuation of colitis induced by DSS and TNBS.ConclusionsDAP12 and Syk are essential mediators in inflammation-driven immune dysfunction in murine colitides. Because DAP12 and Syk expression is upregulated in patients with active disease, present findings suggest a beneficial role for DAP12 and Syk inhibitors in IBD.
Clinoptilolite in Dextran Sulphate Sodium-Induced Murine Colitis: Efficacy and Safety of a Microparticulate Preparation
Authors: Nizet Stéphane , Muñoz Eduardo , Fiebich Bernd L , Abuja Peter M , Kashofer Karl , Zatloukal Kurt , Tangermann Simone , Kenner Lukas , Tschegg Cornelius , Nagl Dietmar , Scheichl Laurenz , Meisslitzer-Ruppitsch Claudia , Freissmuth Michael , Berger Thomas 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Background
Clinoptilolite is an aluminium silicate of natural origin; the microporous structure and the net negative charge of its crystal lattice allows for adsorption of ions, toxins, inflammatory mediators, and some microorganisms. We generated 2 preparations of purified clinoptilolite, which differed by about 10-fold in particle size, ie, a standard powder (GHC1) and a microparticulate fraction (GHC2) with a size of 3.6 µm and 0.39 µm (d50) respectively. These were examined for their ability to accelerate the recovery of mice from DSS (dextran sulphate sodium)-induced intestinal inflammation.

Methods
Efficacy of clinoptilolite preparations was investigated by administering DSS-treated mice twice daily with 30 mg GHC2 or GHC1 for 5 consecutive days, followed by 5 days of recovery without DSS. To explore the safety of the microparticulate preparation (GHC2), mice were subjected to 4 cycles of DSS-exposure. We specifically verified that clinoptilolite microparticles were not systemically bioavailable by examining the gut tissue and the liver for the accumulation of microparticles by transmission electron microscopy.

Results
Treatment of mice with GHC2 was superior to GHC1 and as effective as the reference compound 5-aminosalicylic acid in ameliorating the damage induced by the exposure to DSS. In addition, no clinoptilolite particle was observed in the intestinal epithelial layer, gut-associated lymph follicles, or in the liver.

Conclusion
Our observations confirm that a microparticulate preparation of clinoptilolite is safe and effective in a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease and supports the hypothesis that the adsorptive capacity of clinoptilolite is of potential therapeutic relevance.
A detached stellar-mass black hole candidate in the globular cluster NGC 3201
Authors: Giesers Benjamin , Dreizler Stefan , Husser Tim-Oliver , Kamann Sebastian , Anglada Escudé Guillem , Brinchmann Jarle , Carollo C Marcella , Roth Martin M , Weilbacher Peter M , Wisotzki Lutz 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
As part of our massive spectroscopic survey of 25 Galactic globular clusters with MUSE, we performed multiple epoch observations of NGC 3201 with the aim of constraining the binary fraction. In this cluster, we found one curious star at the main-sequence turn-off with radial velocity variations of the order of 100 km s− 1, indicating the membership to a binary system with an unseen component since no other variations appear in the spectra. Using an adapted variant of the generalized Lomb–Scargle periodogram, we could calculate the orbital parameters and found the companion to be a detached stellar-mass black hole with a minimum mass of 4.36 ± 0.41 M⊙. The result is an important constraint for binary and black hole evolution models in globular clusters as well as in the context of gravitational wave sources.
Welfare state structure, inequality, and public attitudes towards progressive taxation
Authors: Berens Sarah , Gelepithis Margarita 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRecent research indicates that while higher tax levels are politically unpopular, greater tax progressivity is not. However, there remain unanswered questions regarding public support for more progressive taxation. In particular, little is known about how individual attitudes towards tax progressivity are affected by their institutional context. Building on existing theories of redistribution, this article develops the argument that the structure of the welfare state shapes public attitudes towards progressive taxation—support for progressive taxation among both average and high-income households is undermined by ‘pro-poor’ welfare spending. We support our argument with a cross-sectional analysis of rich democracies, interacting household income with country-level indicators of welfare state structure. In doing so, we contribute a micro-level explanation for the paradoxical macro-level phenomenon that larger, more redistributive welfare states tend to be financed by less progressive tax systems.
Interprofessional Education and Team-Based Learning in a Research Methods Course
Authors: Schug Vicki , Finch-Guthrie Patricia , Benz Janet 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This article describes team-based pedagogical strategies for a hybrid, four-credit research methods course with students from nursing, exercise, and nutrition science. The research problem of concussion in football, a socially relevant and controversial topic, was used to explore interprofessional perspectives and develop shared problem solving. The course was designed using permanent teams, readiness assurance, application exercises, and peer evaluation to facilitate student achievement of competencies related to interprofessional collaboration and research application. Feedback from students, faculty, and the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale was used to evaluate the learning innovation.
Visual Acuity and Cognition in Older Adults With and Without Hearing Loss: Evidence For Late-Life Sensory Compensation?
Authors: Wettstein Markus , Wahl Hans-Werner , Heyl Vera 
Published: December 2017

Objectives:
Relationships between cognitive and sensory functioning become stronger with advancing age, and the debate on underlying mechanisms continues. Interestingly, the potential mechanism of compensation by the unaffected sensory modality has so far been investigated in younger age groups with congenital sensory impairment but not in older adults with late-life sensory loss. We compared associations between visual acuity and cognitive functioning in hearing-impaired older adults (HI), and sensory-unimpaired controls (UI). We expected stronger associations in the HI group as compared with the UI group.

Design:
Our study sample was drawn from the pools of outpatients from regional university clinics and city registries and consisted of n = 266 older adults (mean age = 82.45 years, SD = 4.76 years; HI: n = 116; UI: n = 150). For the assessment of cognitive performance, multiple established tests (e.g., subtests of the revised Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) were used. Moreover, objective visual acuity (distance vision) was assessed.

Results:
As expected, bivariate correlations between vision and cognitive abilities were stronger in the HI group compared with the UI group. In regression models controlling for age, sex, education, subjective health and number of chronic diseases, distance visual acuity was a significant predictor of general cognitive ability in the HI group only.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that visual acuity may play an important compensatory role for maintaining cognitive ability when hearing impairment sets in, which may reflect an adaptive process of late-life sensory compensation.
Cardioprotective Mechanisms of Exenatide in Isoprenaline-induced Myocardial Infarction: Novel Effects on Myocardial α-Estrogen Receptor Expression and IGF-1/IGF-2 System
Authors: Darwesh Ahmed M. , El-Azab Mona F. , Abo-Gresha Noha M. , El-Sayed Norhan M. , Moustafa Yasser M. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract:
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. The antidiabetic glucagon-like polypeptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, such as exenatide, proved to confer cardioprotection; however, their exact mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Although the cardioprotective effect of α-estrogen receptor (ERα) activation is well established, its involvement in exenatide-induced cardioprotection has never been investigated. Moreover, modulation of insulin-like growth factor-1/2 (IGF-1/IGF-2) system by exenatide, and the consequent effect on cardiomyocyte apoptosis, is yet to be established. Current study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective potential of exenatide versus the standard cardioprotective agent, 17β-estradiol, against isoprenaline (ISO)-induced MI in rats. MI-insulted group showed electrocardiographic abnormalities, elevated serum cardiac markers, higher serum IGF-2 level along with histopathological abnormalities. Treatment with exenatide and/or 17β-estradiol, commenced 8 weeks before ISO insult, ameliorated these anomalies with maximum cardioprotection achieved with combined treatment. This was associated with upregulation of both ERα and IGF-1R, and downregulation of IGF-2R in left ventricles. Inhibition of ERs in Langendorff preparations confirmed their involvement in mediating exenatide-induced cardioprotective effect. Current study showed that the GLP-1R agonist exenatide exerted cardioprotection associated with upregulation of ERα and modulation of IGF-1/IGF-2 signaling in favor of antiapoptosis.
Reconsidering Sequential Double Running Suture Removal After Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Excimer Laser and Motor Trephination
Authors: Seitz Berthold , Hager Tobias , Langenbucher Achim , Naumann Gottfried O. H. 
Published: December 2017

Purpose:
We assessed the impact of sequential double running suture removal on corneal curvature after penetrating keratoplasty (PK), comparing mechanical and nonmechanical excimer laser trephination.

Methods:
PK was performed in 134 patients (mean age 51 ± 18 yrs) using either the excimer laser [excimer, n = 60 (37 keratoconus and 23 Fuchs dystrophy)] or motor trephination [control, n = 74 (44 keratoconus and 30 Fuchs dystrophy)] and a double running cross-stitch suture. Refractometry, Zeiss keratometry, and Tomey corneal topography were performed before removal of the first suture (15.2 ± 4.2 mo) and immediately before and at least 6 weeks after removal of the second suture (21.4 ± 5.6 mo).

Results:
Keratometry before removal of the first (−1.7 ± 2.3 D vs. −3.1 ± 2.8 D) and second (−2.3 ± 2.6 D vs. −3.8 ± 2.8 D) sutures showed that the change in the corneal base curve was significantly smaller in the excimer group than the control group (P < 0.004). After complete suture removal, astigmatism decreased in 52% and 11%, remained stable (±0.5 D) in 27% and 9%, and increased in 21% and 80% of eyes in the excimer and control groups, respectively, resulting in significantly lower astigmatism in the excimer (3.1 ± 2.1 D) group compared with the control group (6.2 ± 2.9 D) with “all-sutures-out” (P < 0.0001). The change in vector-corrected astigmatism (Jaffe) was significantly smaller in the excimer group (4.3 ± 3.5 D) than in the control group (6.9 ± 4.5 D; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
In conclusion, less change in astigmatism and the base curve after sequential removal of a double running suture indicates better alignment of the graft in the recipient bed after excimer laser trephination. After double running suture removal, astigmatism decreases or remains unchanged in 79% of patients after excimer laser keratoplasty and increases in 80% of patients after conventional motor trephination.
Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction in COPD
Authors: Hsu Kelvin , Williamson Jonathan P. , Peters Matthew J. , Ing Alvin J. 
Published: December 2017

Background:
Endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) has been shown to improve lung function, quality of life, and exercise tolerance in patients with severe heterogeneous emphysema. Our study aims to determine the effect of ELVR on gas transfer capacity corrected for alveolar volume (KCO) and investigate the relationship between KCO and ventilation and perfusion (VQ) matching. We speculate on possible mechanisms for the observed changes

Methods:
Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were prospectively recruited and underwent unilateral upper lobe ELVR between 2012 and 2014. Each had respiratory function test and differential VQ scans at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 12-month post-ELVR.

Results:
In total, 11 patients had 3 sets of respiratory function test (at baseline, 1, and 3 mo), whereas 7 had 4 sets (at baseline, 1, 3, and 12 mo). KCO improved by 10.3 (±7.5)% at 1 month (P=NS) and 39.8 (±15.4)% at 12 months (P<0.05). VQ of the nontargeted lung increased by 12.8 (±5.6)% and 7.9 (±2.3)%, respectively at 1 month, whereas those of the targeted lung both decreased (P<0.05). At 3 and 12 months, the VQ changes were similar to those at 1 month, though some were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:
ELVR results in improved KCO for at least 12 months. This may be explained by the VQ redistribution to the nontargeted and less emphysematous lung with improved VQ matching.