bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Pharmacological Effects of Paricalcitol Versus Calcitriol on Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in the Dialysis Population
Authors: Večerić‐Haler Željka , Romozi Karmen , Antonič Manja , Benedik Miha , Ponikvar Jadranka Buturović , Ponikvar Rafael , Knap Bojan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractManagement of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in dialysis population includes the use of active vitamin D forms, among which paricalcitol was shown to be more effective at reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. A prospective randomized study comparing the effectiveness and safety of peroral paricalcitol and calcitriol in suppressing PTH concentrations in 20 hemodialysis patients was performed comparing the influence of agents on PTH suppression, calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) level and calcium‐phosphorus product (C×P). The study was performed in an “intent to treat” manner with primary end point in reduction of PTH level in the target area of 150 > PTH < 300 ng/L after 3 months. At the time point 3 months after therapy induction paricalcitol and calcitriol were equally efficient at correcting PTH levels, with paricalcitol showing significantly less calcemic effect than calcitriol.
Integrative Examination of Motor Abilities in Dialysis Patients and Selection of Tests for a Standardized Physical Function Assessment
Authors: Bučar Pajek Maja , Leskošek Bojan , Vivoda Tjaša , Svilan Katarina , Čuk Ivan , Pajek Jernej 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTo reduce the need for a large number of executed physical function tests we examined inter‐relations and determined predictive power for daily physical activity of the following tests: 6‐min walk, 10 repetition sit‐to‐stand, time up‐and‐go, Storke balance, handgrip strength, upper limb tapping and sitting forward bend tests. In 90 dialysis and 140 healthy control subjects we found high correlations between all tests, especially those engaging lower extremities. Sit‐to‐stand, forward bend and handgrip strength were selected for the test battery and composite motor performance score. Sit‐to‐stand test was superior in terms of sensitivity to uremia effects and association with daily physical function in adjusted analyses. There was no incremental value in calculating the composite performance score. We propose to standardize the physical function assessment of dialysis patients for cross‐sectional and longitudinal observations with three simple, cheap, well‐accessible and easily performed test tools: sit‐to‐stand test, handgrip strength and Human Activity Profile questionnaire.
Vascular Access Effects on Motor Performance and Anthropometric Indices of Upper Extremities
Authors: Bučar Pajek Maja , Čuk Ivan , Pajek Jernej 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA decrement of upper extremity motor performance is a concern with vascular access creation. We analyzed differences in handgrip strength, tapping test and anthropometric indices of arms with and without vascular access (N = 87) and compared them to bilateral differences in control subjects (N = 140). Fistula harboring arms had weaker grip strength than contralateral arms of 2.7 kg and this difference was statistically marginally larger than the difference between non‐dominant and dominant arms in controls of 1.6 kg (mean difference 1.1 kg, P = 0.06). No difference in the magnitude of inferiority of fistula arms compared to control non‐dominant arms was present in the tapping test. Absolute results of both motor tests on any side were significantly worse in dialysis patients. Although weaker and slower, fistula arms showed larger mean upper‐arm and forearm circumferences of 0.4–0.6 cm. Our results show no significant negative effect of arteriovenous access on motor performance of upper extremities.
Fate of Central Venous Catheters Used for Acute Extracorporeal Treatment in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Rus Rina R , Premru Vladimir , Novljan Gregor , Grošelj‐Grenc Mojca , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRenal replacement treatment (RRT) is required in severe acute kidney injury, and a functioning central venous catheter (CVC) is crucial. Twenty‐eight children younger than 16 years have been treated at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana between 2003 and 2012 with either acute hemodialysis (HD) and/or plasma exchange (PE), and were included in our study. The age of the patients ranged from 2 days to 14.1 years. Sixty‐six CVCs were inserted (52% de novo, 48% guide wire). The sites of insertion were the jugular vein in 20% and the femoral vein in 80%. Catheters were in function from 1 day to 27 days. The most common cause for CVC removal or exchange was catheter dysfunction (50%). CVCs were mostly inserted in the femoral vein, which is the preferred site of insertion in acute HD/PE because of the smaller number of complications.
Post‐Transplant Recurrence of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in a Child With Heterozygous Mutations in NPHS1 and NPHS2
Authors: Battelino Nina , Arnol Miha , Kandus Aljoša , Ponikvar Rafael , Novljan Gregor 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRenal transplantation is the optimal renal replacement therapy (RRT) in children, but some primary diseases can recur after transplantation, and recurrence accounts for a significant proportion of graft losses, being second only to acute rejection. The risk of disease recurrence is highest among patients with idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), presumably due to a circulating permeability factor. Less is clear about the genetic forms of FSGS, where the data regarding the frequency of recurrence are rather conflicting. We present a 12‐year‐old girl with rapidly progressive FSGS and end‐stage renal disease in her native kidneys associated with heterozygous mutations in NPHS1 and in NPHS2, suffering from early post‐transplant recurrence. On the basis of reviewed literature, and until further and more conclusive evidence considering pathogenicity is provided, we propose that FSGS patients with heterozygous mutations in NPHS1 or NPHS2 should be considered as having idiopathic FSGS, and post‐transplant recurrence should be anticipated.
Effect of Carrageenan on Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Low‐Fat Colby Cheese
Authors: Wang Fang , Tong Qigen , Luo Jie , Xu Yiqing , Ren Fazheng 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe effect of carrageenan (κ‐carrageenan, ι‐carrageenan, and λ‐carrageenan) on the physiochemical and functional properties of low‐fat Colby cheese during ripening was investigated. Protein, fat, and moisture contents; the soluble fractions of the total nitrogen at pH 4.6; protein and fat recovery; and the actual yield and dry matter yield (DM yield) were monitored. Hardness, springiness, and the storage modulus were also evaluated to assess the functional properties of the cheese. Moreover, the behavior of water in the samples was investigated to ascertain the underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that 0.15 g/kg κ‐carrageenan had no significant effect on the actual yield and DM yield, and physiochemical and functional properties of low‐fat Colby cheese. The protein content increased in the low‐fat cheese and low‐fat cheese containing κ‐carrageenan, and the moisture in the nonfat substance (MNFS) decreased in both samples, which contributed to the harder texture. The addition of 0.3 g/kg ι‐carrageenan and 0.3 g/kg λ‐carrageenan improved the textural and rheological properties of low‐fat cheese by 2 ways: one is increasing the content of bound and expressible moisture due to their high water absorption capacity and the other is interfering with casein crosslinking, thereby further increasing MNFS and the actual yield.
Serum and synovial fluid concentrations of cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yoo In Seol , Lee Sun Young , Park Chan Keol , Lee Jeong Chan , Kim Young , Yoo Su Jin , Shim Seung Cheol , Choi Yoon Seok , Lee Young , Kang Seong Wook 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThere is growing evidence that cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) promotes inflammatory responses. This study investigated the relationship between CIRP and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsPeripheral blood and synovial fluid were collected from 15 patients with RA and from 16 patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The concentration of CIRP was measured with the sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe concentration of serum CIRP was significantly elevated in the RA patient group (RA patients = 26.39 ± 10.48 pg/mL, OA patients = 17.14 ± 7.24 pg/mL, P = 0.009). Furthermore, the RA patient group had a significantly higher CIRP concentration than that of the OA patient group in synovial fluid (153.56 ± 108.93 pg/mL vs. 23.63 ± 16.18 pg/mL, P < 0.001). The mean synovial fluid concentration of CIRP was significantly higher than that of the serum concentration in the RA patient group (serum concentration = 26.39 ± 10.48 pg/mL, synovial fluid = 153.56 ± 108.93 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28)‐ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and DAS28‐CRP (C‐reactive protein) were positively correlated with the synovial fluid concentration of CIRP (DAS28‐ESR: r = 0.582, P = 0.023; DAS28‐CRP: r = 0.541, P = 0.037).ConclusionThe serum and synovial concentrations of CIRP in the RA patients were increased compared to the OA patients. Additionally, the synovial concentration of CIRP in RA patients correlated well with disease activity, that is, the DAS28‐ESR/CRP. Based on these results, CIRP mediates inflammation and is a potential marker for synovial inflammation.
These Bars Can't Hold Us Back: Plowing Incarcerated Geographies with Restorative Food Justice
Authors: Sbicca Joshua 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMass incarceration entrenches racial and class inequality and segregation. Before, during, and after low‐income people of color enter prison, they experience a range of barriers and biases that make it difficult to break out of the prison pipeline. This article investigates food justice and restorative justice activists in Oakland, California who are intervening at the point of reentry. I argue for the significance of teasing out the connections between food and carceral politics as a way to expand the practice and understanding of food justice. Specifically, I show how the incarcerated geographies of former prisoners, that is, perspectives and experiences that result due to the prison pipeline, motivate the formation of a restorative food justice. The associated healing and mutual aid practices increase social equity by creating spaces to overcome the historical trauma of mass incarceration, produce living wage jobs, rearticulate relationships to food and land, and achieve policy reforms.
Characterization and expression of non‐polymorphic liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 2: LEAP‐2 in the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica
Authors: Ishige Taichiro , Hara Hiromi , Hirano Takashi , Kono Tomohiro , Hanzawa Kei 
Published: June 2016

AbstractLiver‐expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP‐2) is a cationic peptide that plays an important role in innate immunity for host defense. The aim of this study was to characterize the LEAP‐2 gene in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Japanese quail LEAP‐2 (CjLEAP‐2) was identified from the Japanese quail draft genome database by a local BLAST analysis using chicken LEAP‐2 (GgLEAP‐2). The exon‐intron structure of CjLEAP‐2, analyzed from three quails, is composed of three exons, as is the chicken LEAP‐2 homolog (GgLEAP‐2). An analysis of the coding sequence revealed that CjLEAP‐2 is 231 bp long, like GgLEAP‐2, and 93% identical to GgLEAP‐2 at the nucleic acid level. The predicted amino acid sequence of CjLEAP‐2 contained the liver‐expressed antimicrobial peptide 2‐precursor domain and four cysteine residues characteristic of the LEAP‐2 protein. The amino acid sequence of the mature peptide of CjLEAP‐2 was 100% identical to that of GgLEAP‐2. We confirmed that CjLEAP‐2 was transcribed in at least seven tissues, including the digestive system. Additionally, the mature peptide region of CjLEAP‐2 exhibited no polymorphisms in 99 quails from six strains. Taken together, these findings indicate that CjLEAP‐2 is non‐polymorphic and therefore, it likely plays an important role in the innate immunity of quail as it does in chicken.
Ageing and obesity similarly impair antibody responses
Authors: Frasca D , Diaz A , Romero M , Blomberg B B 
Published: June 2016

Summary
Ageing is characterized by increased low-grade chronic inflammation, which is a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality of elderly individuals. Similar to ageing, obesity is considered to be an inflammatory predisposition associated with chronic activation of immune cells and consequent local and systemic inflammation. Both ageing and obesity are characterized by reduced innate and adaptive immune responses. This review focuses on B cells, how they may contribute, at least locally, to low-grade chronic inflammation in ageing and obesity and on the mechanisms involved.
Effects of type II collagen epitope carbamylation and citrullination in human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR4+ monozygotic twins discordant for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: De Santis M , Ceribelli A , Cavaciocchi F , Generali E , Massarotti M , Isailovic N , Crotti C , Scherer H U , Montecucco C , Selmi C 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the native, citrullinated or carbamylated type II human collagen T cell- and B cell-epitopes on the adaptive immune response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Peripheral blood T and B cells obtained from a human leucocyte D4-related (antigen DR4− HLA-DR4)+ woman with early RA, her healthy monozygotic twin and an unrelated HLA-DR3+ woman with early RA were analysed for activation (CD154/CD69), apoptosis (annexin/7-aminoactinomycin), cytokine production [interferon (IFN)γ/interleukin (IL)−17/IL-4/IL-10/IL-6] and functional phenotype (CD45Ra/CCR7) after stimulation with the collagen native T cell epitope (T261-273), the K264 carbamylated T cell epitope (carT261–273), the native B cell epitope (B359–369) or the R360 citrullinated B cell epitope (citB359–369), and the combinations of these. The T cell memory compartment was activated by T cell epitopes in both discordant DR4+ twins, but not in the DR3+ RA. The collagen-specific activation of CD4+ T cells was induced with both the native and carbamylated T cell epitopes only in the RA twin. Both T cell epitopes also induced IL-17 production in the RA twin, but a greater IL-4 and IL-10 response in the healthy twin. The citrullinated B cell epitope, particularly when combined with the carbamylated T cell epitope, induced B cell activation and an increased IL-6/IL-10 ratio in the RA twin compared to a greater IL-10 production in the healthy twin. Our data suggest that circulating collagen-specific T and B cells are found in HLA-DR4+ subjects, but only RA activated cells express co-stimulatory molecules and produce proinflammatory cytokines. Carbamylation and citrullination further modulate the activation and cytokine polarization of T and B cells.
Hypothyroidism and pregnancy loss: comparison with hyperthyroidism and diabetes in a Danish population‐based study
Authors: Andersen Stine Linding , Olsen Jørn , Laurberg Peter 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBackgroundHypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease. The frequency of pregnancy loss in women with known hypothyroidism as opposed to women with a later diagnosis of hypothyroidism has not been evaluated and compared with other common endocrine diseases.DesignPopulation‐based cohort study using Danish nationwide registers.ParticipantsAll pregnancies in Denmark, 1997–2008, resulting in live birth (n = 732 533), spontaneous abortion (n = 112 487) or stillbirth (n = 2937) were identified together with information on maternal hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and diabetes.MethodsCox model was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for spontaneous abortion and stillbirth, reference: no hypo‐ or hyperthyroidism or diabetes (n = 824 310).ResultsWe identified 4951 pregnancies where maternal hypothyroidism was diagnosed before the pregnancy (group 1) and 2464 pregnancies where maternal hypothyroidism was diagnosed in the 2‐year period after the pregnancy (group 2). In group 1, 825 pregnancies (16·7%) resulted in spontaneous abortion which was more frequent than in nonexposed (13·2%), (aHR 1·19 (95%CI 1·12–1·27)), and of the same magnitude as in hyperthyroidism (17·2%, P = 0·5) and diabetes (17·5%, P = 0·2) diagnosed before the pregnancy. In group 2, the frequency was 12·2% (aHR 0·92 (0·84–1·02)). In group 2, 16 pregnancies (0·65%) resulted in stillbirth which was more frequent than in nonexposed (0·36%), (aHR 1·81 (1·11–2·97)), of the same magnitude as in hyperthyroidism (0·82%, P = 0·5) and less frequent than in diabetes (2·9%, P < 0·001) diagnosed after the pregnancy. In group 1, the frequency was 0·40% (aHR 1·11 (0·68–1·82)).ConclusionsHypothyroidism increased the risk of both early and late pregnancy loss as did hyperthyroidism and in particular diabetes. We hypothesize that undetected or insufficiently treated maternal disease in the pregnancy may be of causal importance.
Efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of intracameral vancomycin in reducing postoperative endophthalmitis incidence in Australia
Authors: Au Cheryl PY , White Andrew JR , Healey Paul R 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundEndophthalmitis is a rare but devastating postoperative complication of cataract surgery. We aimed to describe the incidence of acute postoperative endophthalmitis in an Australian population over a 14‐year period.DesignThis was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study performed at Westmead Hospital, a major tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia.ParticipantsPatients who had acute postoperative endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of their cataract surgery at Westmead Hospital were included.MethodsEndophthalmitis cases from 2000 to 2014 were identified from computerized diagnostic coding. These were cross‐referenced with the cataract surgery list over this time period. The routine use of intracameral vancomycin at the end of cataract surgery was introduced in Westmead Hospital in 2004.Main Outcome MeasuresWe quantified the incidence of acute postoperative endophthalmitis pre and post the routine use of intracameral vancomycin.ResultsA total of 14 805 cataract cases were performed at Westmead Hospital from 2000 to 2014. Seventeen cases of endophthalmitis were within 6 weeks post cataract surgery performed at Westmead Hospital. In the period 2000 to 2003, the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis was 0.43% (11/2539). From 2004 to 2014, there was a dramatic decrease in the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis to 0.049% (6/12 266, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThere has been a nine‐fold reduction in the rate of acute postoperative endophthalmitis with the use of intracameral vancomycin in cataract surgery. Post‐cataract surgery endophthalmitis is now a relatively rare cause of endophthalmitis in this Australian population. Our study supports the routine use of intracameral vancomycin as postoperative endophthalmitis prophylaxis.
The effect of a flapless alveolar ridge preservation procedure with or without a xenograft on buccal bone crest remodeling compared by histomorphometric and microcomputed tomographic analysis
Authors: de Barros Raquel Rezende Martins , Novaes Arthur Belém , de Carvalho Jessica Pires , de Almeida Adriana Luisa Gonçalves 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectivesThis study evaluated buccal bone crest remodeling, socket composition after healing, and dimensional ridge preservation after flapless tooth extraction procedures with or without a xenograft comparing histomorphometric and microcomputed tomographic (micro‐CT) data.Material and MethodsThe mandibular premolars of eight dogs were extracted without flaps. One socket on each side received a grafting material (test group), and the other remained only with a blood clot (control group). Twelve weeks after treatment, buccal bone crest, alveolar ridge dimensions, and composition were analyzed by histomorphometry and micro‐CT.ResultsTwo‐ and three‐dimensional evaluations showed better results for the grafted group when compared to the non‐grafted group.ConclusionThe flapless alveolar ridge preservation procedure with deproteinized bovine bone material enhanced buccal bone crest, alveolar ridge dimensions and bone formation when compared to sockets with the blood clot only, as observed by histomorphometric and micro‐CT analysis.
Cell‐specific biomarkers and targeted biopharmaceuticals for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Liu Mei , Li Zhiyang , Yang Jingjing , Jiang Yanyun , Chen Zhongsi , Ali Zeeshan , He Nongyue , Wang Zhifei 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBreast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, and its related treatment has been attracting significant attention over the past decades. Among the various treatments, targeted therapy has shown great promise as a precision treatment, by binding to cancer cell‐specific biomarkers. So far, great achievements have been made in targeted therapy of breast cancer. In this review, we first discuss cell‐specific biomarkers, which are not only useful for classification of breast cancer subtyping but also can be utilized as goals for targeted therapy. Then, the innovative and generic‐targeted biopharmaceuticals for breast cancer, including monoclonal antibodies, non‐antibody proteins and small molecule drugs, are reviewed. Finally, we provide our outlook on future developments of biopharmaceuticals, and provide solutions to problems in this field.
Public education and misinformation on brain death in mainstream media
Authors: Lewis Ariane , Lord Aaron S. , Czeisler Barry M. , Caplan Arthur 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionWe sought to evaluate the caliber of education mainstream media provides the public about brain death.MethodsWe reviewed articles published prior to July 31, 2015, on the most shared/heavily trafficked mainstream media websites of 2014 using the names of patients from two highly publicized brain death cases, “Jahi McMath” and “Marlise Muñoz.”ResultsWe reviewed 208 unique articles. The subject was referred to as being “alive” or on “life support” in 72% (149) of the articles, 97% (144) of which also described the subject as being brain dead. A definition of brain death was provided in 4% (9) of the articles. Only 7% (14) of the articles noted that organ support should be discontinued after brain death declaration unless a family has agreed to organ donation. Reference was made to well‐known cases of patients in persistent vegetative states in 16% (34) of articles and 47% (16) of these implied both patients were in the same clinical state.ConclusionsMainstream media provides poor education to the public on brain death. Because public understanding of brain death impacts organ and tissue donation, it is important for physicians, organ procurement organizations, and transplant coordinators to improve public education on this topic.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from three cryptic species of Ceratosolen emarginatus
Authors: Yang Li‐Yuan , Yu Hui , Zhang Da‐Yong , Liao Wan‐Jin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractFrom an enriched (AG)n/(AC)n library, we developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for three cryptic species of the fig‐pollinating wasp Ceratosolen emarginatus. We genotyped one population for each of the three cryptic species across all the nine loci. In total, 204 alleles were detected from the three cryptic species of C. emarginatus. The observed heterozygosity was 0.755 ± 0.034, 0.653 ± 0.030 and 0.603 ± 0.073 in C. emarginatus populations A, B and C, respectively; the expected heterozygosity was 0.850 ± 0.031, 0.724 ± 0.035 and 0.702 ± 0.104, respectively. No linkage disequilibrium was found between any two loci of all three cryptic species. The newly isolated microsatellite markers will be very useful for estimating the genetic variation within and among the cryptic species and for revealing the mechanisms of speciation and inbreeding coexistence hypothesis of the cryptic species.