bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overlooked hematological markers of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tekeoğlu İbrahim , Gürol Gönül , Harman Halil , Karakeçe Engin , Çiftçi İhsan Hakkı 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hematological markers and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodThe study was designed and performed in the Department of Rheumatology of the Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine. In total, 102 patients with RA were retrospectively enrolled. We used the Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS28) instrument to evaluate disease activity. Laboratory assessments included complete blood cell counts, measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and assessment of C‐reactive protein (CRP) level. Exclusion criteria included active infection and/or the presence of any hematological, cardiovascular or metabolic disorder.ResultsWe found that the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) varied by disease activity status. NLR values correlated positively with the DAS28 scores of RA patients. Especially, higher NLR values (3.92 ± 0.31) were evident in the group exhibiting high‐level disease activity, whereas the MPV values were lowest (7.11 ± 0.91 fL) in this group. Additionally, no significant difference was evident between DAS28 scores and platelet distribution width (PDW) values in patients with RA (r = −0.055, P = 0.124).ConclusionsWe found that the MPV value may serve as a marker of the absence of acute‐phase disease, and the NLR level as a marker of the presence of such disease, in patients with RA. More detailed analysis of disease activity is required to further explain the associations of the markers described above with disease activity.
The role of siderophores in metal homeostasis of members of the genus Burkholderia
Authors: Mathew Anugraha , Jenul Christian , Carlier Aurelien L. , Eberl Leo 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAlthough members of the genus Burkholderia can utilize a high‐affinity iron uptake system to sustain growth under iron‐limiting conditions, many strains also produce siderophores, suggesting that they may serve alternative functions. Here we demonstrate that the two Burkholderia siderophores pyochelin and ornibactin can protect the cells from metal toxicity and thus play an alternative role in metal homeostasis. We also demonstrate that metals such as copper and zinc induce the production of ornibactin.
Peri‐operative cognitive dysfunction and protection
Authors: Steinmetz J. , Rasmussen L. S. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryCognition may decline after surgery. Postoperative delirium, especially when hyperactive, may be easily recognised, whereas cognitive dysfunction is subtle and can only be detected using neuropsychological tests. The causes for these two conditions are largely unknown, although they share risk factors, the predominant one being age. Ignorance of the causes for postoperative cognitive dysfunction contributes to the difficulty of conducting interventional studies. Postoperative cognitive disorders are associated with increased mortality and permanent disability. Peri‐operative interventions can reduce the rate of delirium in the elderly, but in spite of promising findings in animal experiments, no intervention reduces postoperative cognitive dysfunction in humans.
The New Washington Consensus: Millennial Philanthropy and the Making of Global Market Subjects
Authors: Mitchell Katharyne , Sparke Matthew 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis paper outlines the emergence of a New Washington Consensus associated with leading philanthropies of the new millennium. This emergent development paradigm by no means represents a historic break with the market rationalities of neoliberalism, nor does it represent a radical departure from older models of early 20th century philanthropy. Rather, it is new in its global ambition to foster resilient market subjects for a globalized world; and new in its employment of micro‐market transformations to compensate for macro‐market failures. Focusing on reforms pioneered by the new philanthropic partnerships in education and global health, the paper indicates how the targets of intervention are identified as communities that have been failed by both governments and markets. The resulting interventions are commonly justified in terms of “return on investment”. But the problems they target keep returning because the underlying causes of failure are left unaddressed.
A Pilot Study of Antithrombin Replacement Prior to Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Neonates
Authors: Niebler Robert A. , Woods Katherine J. , Murkowski Kathleen , Ghanayem Nancy S. , Hoffman George , Mitchell Michael E. , Punzalan Rowena C. , Scott J. Paul , Simpson Pippa , Tweddell James S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractNeonates have low levels of antithrombin. Inadequate anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) due to low antithrombin activity may result in a poor preservation of the coagulation system during bypass. We hypothesize that antithrombin replacement to neonates prior to CPB will preserve the hemostatic system and result in less postoperative bleeding. A randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled pilot study of antithrombin replacement to neonates prior to CPB was conducted. Preoperative antithrombin levels determined the dose of recombinant antithrombin or placebo to be given. Antithrombin levels were measured following the dosing of the antithrombin/placebo, after initiation of bypass, near the completion of bypass, and upon intensive care unit admission. Eight subjects were enrolled. No subject had safety concerns. Mediastinal exploration occurred in two antithrombin subjects and one placebo subject. Antithrombin activity levels were significantly higher in the treated group following drug administration; levels continued to be higher than preoperatively but not different from the placebo group at all other time points. Total heparin administration was less in the antithrombin group; measurements of blood loss were similar in both groups. A single dose of recombinant antithrombin did not maintain 100% activity levels throughout the entire operation. Although no safety concerns were identified in this pilot study, a larger trial is necessary to determine clinical efficacy.
Hepatitis E virus infection and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure in West Africa: a case–control study from The Gambia
Authors: Shimakawa Y. , Njai H. F. , Takahashi K. , Berg L. , Ndow G. , Jeng‐Barry A. , Ceesay A. , Tamba S. , Opoku E. , Taal M. , Akbar S. M. F. , Arai M. , D'Alessandro U. , Taylor‐Robinson S. D. , Njie R. , Mishiro S. , Thursz M. R. , Lemoine M. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryBackgroundIn sub‐Saharan Africa, it is unknown whether hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common precipitating event of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF).AimsTo estimate the prevalence of HEV infection in general population and assess whether HEV is a common trigger of ACLF in cirrhotic patients in The Gambia, West Africa.MethodsWe first conducted an HEV sero‐survey in healthy volunteers. We then tested cirrhotic patients with ACLF (cases) and compensated cirrhosis (controls) for anti‐HEV IgG as a marker of exposure to HEV, and anti‐HEV IgA and HEV RNA as a marker of recent infection. We also described the characteristics and survival of the ACLF cases and controls.ResultsIn the healthy volunteers (n = 204), 13.7% (95% CI: 9.6–19.2) were positive for anti‐HEV IgG, and none had positive HEV viraemia. After adjusting for age and sex, the following were associated with positive anti‐HEV IgG: being a Christian, a farmer, drinking water from wells, handling pigs and eating pork. In 40 cases (median age: 45 years, 72.5% male) and 71 controls (39 years, 74.6% male), ≥70% were infected with hepatitis B virus. Although hepatitis B flare and sepsis were important precipitating events of ACLF, none had marker of acute HEV. ACLF cases had high (70.0%) 28‐day mortality.ConclusionsHepatitis E virus infection is endemic in The Gambia, where both faecal‐oral route (contaminated water) and zoonotic transmission (pigs/pork meat) may be important. However, acute HEV was not a common cause of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure in The Gambia.
Statin therapy and plasma free fatty acids: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Sahebkar Amirhossein , Simental‐Mendía Luis E. , Pedone Claudio , Ferretti Gianna , Nachtigal Petr , Bo Simona , Derosa Giuseppe , Maffioli Pamela , Watts Gerald F. 
Published: December 2015

AIMThe aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effect of statin therapy on plasma FFA concentrations in a systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials.MethodsPubMed‐Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched (from inception to February 16 2015) to identify controlled trials evaluating the impact of statins on plasma FFA concentrations. A systematic assessment of bias in the included studies was performed using the Cochrane criteria. A random effects model and generic inverse variance method were used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave‐one‐out method. Random effects meta‐regression was performed using unrestricted maximum likelihood method to evaluate the impact of potential moderators.ResultsMeta‐analysis of data from 14 treatment arms indicated a significant reduction in plasma FFA concentrations following treatment with statins (weighted mean difference (WMD) –19.42%, 95% CI –23.19, −–15.64, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis confirmed the significance of the effect with both atorvastatin (WMD –20.56%, 95% CI –24.51, –16.61, P < 0.01) and simvastatin (WMD –18.05%, 95% CI –28.12, –7.99, P < 0.001). Changes in plasma FFA concentrations were independent of treatment duration (slope –0.10, 95% CI –0.30, 0.11, P = 0.354) and magnitude of reduction in plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (slope 0.55, 95% CI –0.17, 1.27, P = 0.133) by statins.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that statin therapy may lower plasma FFA concentrations. The cardiovascular and metabolic significance of this finding requires further investigation.
The role of gut microbiota and diet in experimental autoimmune encephalitis and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Okuno Tatsusada , Nakatsuji Yuji , Kinoshita Makoto , Takata Kazushiro , Koda Toru , Yamashita Kazuya , Nanba Akiko , Mochizuki Hideki 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe prevalence of multiple sclerosis has been increasing over the last few decades, especially in certain areas such as the Mediterranean regions and Japan. This increase may be attributed to a modified microbiota in accordance with the changes in food habits, although the precise cause remains unknown. To investigate the association between the microbiota and central nervous system inflammation, mice under germ‐free conditions and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) has been widely used. For example, Th17 cells are induced by intestinal segmented filamentous bacteria and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including EAE. Certain groups of commensal bacteria and their metabolites, including short‐chain fatty acids, play significant roles in the induction of regulatory T cells in the intestine, which suppress autoimmune reaction. In this review, we introduce the current advances in this field, including our data on Pediococcus acidilactici and Candida kefyr in EAE, and discuss the potential of probiotics in terms of prophylactic or therapeutic treatment options for multiple sclerosis.
The role of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor in the pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica: A white or black knight?
Authors: Masuda Hiroki , Uzawa Akiyuki , Mori Masahiro , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractGranulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) not only induces the differentiation of hematopoietic cells into granulocytes and macrophages but also exerts immunomodulatory functions. GM‐CSF promotes experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Conversely, GM‐CSF ameliorates some type 2 helper T cell‐dominant diseases, including experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis, experimental autoimmune thyroiditis, Crohn's disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune neutropenia, and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the contribution of GM‐CSF to the pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) has not been studied. In this article, we review GM‐CSF roles in the central nervous system and report evidence that GM‐CSF may positively affect the pathogenesis of NMO. We have previously reported (i) that patients with NMO expressing antinuclear antibodies (ANA‐positive) have less severe disease activity and a better prognosis than ANA‐negative patients and (ii) an analysis of the cytokine/chemokine profiles of 24 patients with NMO. We investigated associations between cytokine expression, ANA‐positivity, and disease severity. Among the 24 patients, the six who were ANA positive had significantly elevated serum GM‐CSF concentrations than the ANA‐negative patients (medians: 7.0 vs 0.27 pg/mL, respectively; P = 0.001) and higher cerebrospinal fluid GM‐CSF concentrations (medians: 53.7 vs 47.0 pg/mL, respectively; P = 0.068). Although no other cytokine/chemokine profiles were different based on ANA status, cerebrospinal fluid GM‐CSF concentrations at relapse were negatively correlated with Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (R2 = 0.26, P = 0.009). Therefore, GM‐CSF may play a protective role in the pathogenesis of NMO.
Feasibility of Neoadjuvant Ad‐REIC Gene Therapy in Patients with High‐Risk Localized Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Kumon Hiromi , Sasaki Katsumi , Ariyoshi Yuichi , Sadahira Takuya , Araki Motoo , Ebara Shin , Yanai Hiroyuki , Watanabe Masami , Nasu Yasutomo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn a phase I/IIa study of in situ gene therapy using an adenovirus vector carrying the human REIC/Dkk‐3 gene (Ad‐REIC), we assessed the inhibitory effects of cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP), in patients with high risk localized prostate cancer (PCa). After completing the therapeutic interventions with initially planned three escalating doses of 1.0 × 1010, 1.0 × 1011, and 1.0 × 1012 viral particles (VP) in 1.0–1.2 mL (n = 3, 3, and 6), an additional higher dose of 3.0 × 1012 VP in 3.6 mL (n = 6) was further studied. Patients with recurrence probability of 35% or more within 5 years after RP as calculated by Kattan's nomogram, were enrolled. They received two ultrasound‐guided intratumoral injections at 2‐week intervals, followed by RP 6 weeks after the second injection. Based on the findings of MRI and biopsy mapping, as a rule, one track injection to the most prominent cancer area was given to initial 12 patients and 3 track injections to multiple cancer areas in additional 6 patients. As compared to the former group, biochemical recurrence‐free survival of the latter showed a significantly favorable outcome. Neoadjuvant Ad‐REIC, mediating simultaneous induction of cancer selective apoptosis and augmentation of antitumor immunity, is a feasible approach in preventing cancer recurrence after RP. (199)
Public and Private Responses to Food Insecurity: Complementarity in Burkina Faso
Authors: West Colin Thor 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article explores the contemporary context of food insecurity in Mossi communities of the northern Central Plateau region of Burkina Faso. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative ethnographic field data from three time periods, the research illustrates how public and private responses to seasonal food insecurity are improving and becoming more appropriate to local contexts. The Government of Burkina Faso and NGOs have invested in improved agricultural technologies that farmers have rapidly adopted. They have also assisted in the development of local institutions such as village cereal banks that help farmers self‐insure against crop failure. Whereas other scholars have described tensions between private and public responses to agroclimatic shocks that ultimately make rural producers more vulnerable, this case study illustrates how the two are complementary and reinforce one another. Overall, seasonal household food insecurity is declining in the northern Central Plateau region of Burkina Faso.
Muddying the Waters: Protection, Public Participation, and Ambiguity in the Language of Pollution in the Great Lakes
Authors: Harvey T. S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBased on the case of theGreatLakes, which is theUnitedStates' largest supply of fresh water and is contaminated by nonpoint source pollution from agricultural runoff, this paper examines the role that language plays in providing definitions for environmental protection and regulation. The interdisciplinary research presented here identifies “agriculturalese” as a specialized and highly technical language of agribusiness and environmental projection, and it considers some of the underinvestigated challenges that its ambiguity and complexity present to lay stakeholders' public participation in environmental decision making, protection, and enforcement.
Freshwater fishes of China: species richness, endemism, threatened species and conservation
Authors: Xing Yingchun , Zhang Chunguang , Fan Enyuan , Zhao Yahui 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimTo compile an inventory of freshwater fish species in China, and to investigate these data to determine spatial patterns in species richness, endemism and threatened species for the purpose of facilitating conservation.LocationChinaMethodsLiterature, databases and fish collections were examined to create an inventory database of freshwater fishes of China. This list was analysed to determine species richness, endemism and threatened species.spssandoriginsoftware were used to determine relationships between these three parameters across the area and length of river basins. Coefficients of fish diversity for each major river were calculated using the Gleason Index.ResultsChinese freshwater fish fauna is comprised of 1323 species; the majority of species belong to Cypriniformes and Cyprinidae. Of 877 species endemic to China, 161 of 199 threatened species are endemic, with most classified as ‘endangered’ (85 species) or ‘vulnerable’ (70). Species endemism and the number of threatened species correlate positively with species richness. River basin area and length have no direct bearing on either species richness or endemism. The Pearl River was identified as the most species‐rich system. It also has the most endemic and threatened fish species.Main conclusionsChina's vast size, variable geography and climate influence patterns in species diversity and endemism. Its freshwater fish fauna is rich and largely endemic and a significant number of these endemic species are threatened. Dam construction, water pollution, overfishing and invasive species pose threats to native biodiversity. National assessment of threatened species is urgently needed. The Yangtze, Yellow and Pearl rivers require prioritized national protection. Environmental effects of development require serious consideration and, potentially, proactive conservation efforts and mitigation. Development on international rivers needs to consider environmental policies of all countries owning spans of the systems, particularly the wishes and concerns of nations with lower spans of a system.
Endoscopic features associated with development of metachronous gastric cancer in patients who underwent endoscopic resection followed by Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Moribata Kosaku , Kato Jun , Iguchi Mikitaka , Nakachi Kenichiro , Maeda Yoshimasa , Shingaki Naoki , Niwa Toru , Deguchi Hisanobu , Inoue Izumi , Maekita Takao , Tamai Hideyuki , Ichinose Masao 
Published: December 2015

Background and AimThe preventive effect of Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication on metachronous gastric cancer development after endoscopic resection remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to identify specific endoscopic features that correlated with the risk of metachronous gastric cancer development after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using both endoscopic findings before ESD and changes of findings after HP eradication.MethodsThis retrospective study investigated 122 consecutive patients who underwent ESD for early gastric cancer and successful HP eradication after ESD. Endoscopic findings linked with HP before ESD and changes after HP eradication were evaluated according to the development of metachronous cancer.ResultsMost patients showed severe atrophy and intestinal metaplasia (IM) before ESD (97% and 83%, respectively). Improvement of spotty redness, improvement of diffuse redness, emergence of patchy redness, and emergence of map‐like redness were frequent findings after HP eradication (52%, 50%, 54%, and 32%, respectively). Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that patients without IM before ESD never developed metachronous cancer, whereas patients with emergence of map‐like redness after HP eradication were significantly more likely to develop metachronous cancer (log–rank test, P = 0.031 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that emergence of map‐like redness after HP eradication was the only predictive factor for development of metachronous cancer (hazard ratio, 3.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.41–9.21; P = 0.007).ConclusionAbsence of IM before ESD and emergence of map‐like redness after HP eradication were useful endoscopic findings in the negative and positive predictions, respectively, of metachronous gastric cancer developing after ESD.
Post‐Secularism, Secular Theology, and the Names of the Real
Authors: Crockett Clayton 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article disputes the common view of religious and secular as oppositional terms. Our contemporary world is post‐secularist, because secularism is a modern ideology that imagines a strict separation of the religious and the political, where religion becomes a purely private affair. This situation is compromised by the “return” of religion in political terms. Constructively, following Jacques Lacan, we can say that secular theology concerns the Real; and with François Laruelle, we can think about a non‐theology that complements what he calls non‐philosophy. Finally, I speculate on three names of the Real: energy, capital, and nomos.
Outside the Box: (Post) Secular Projects of Transcendence
Authors: Cady Linell 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSecular theology builds upon the growing recognition and critique of the limitations of the confining box of religion built in and through the modern secularist dispensation. A bipolar model of religion and the secular, and the classificatory web within which it is nestled, have limited theology's field of vision and engagement. This article explores several examples of projects of transcendence that resist easy identification with either the religious or the secular, illuminating the limitations of the religion‐secular classification and the diffuse cultural trends that are reconfiguring it, even leading beyond it.
Residues in the Secular: Whale Bones and Other Theological Relics1
Authors: Marovich Beatrice 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article develops the concept of the “theological relic”: a facet of secular life and culture that maintains traces of (and so remains bound in some way to) its genealogy in the theological. The theological relic, then, is something that fails to be either robustly religious or properly secular. It is, instead, a product of the relations between these social spaces. The article illustrates this concept by examining a cultural history of the whale, highlighting this creature's complex bonds with the theological. The whale, in other words, is figured as a theological relic: a creature of the secular that remains shrouded enough by traces of the theological that these vestiges of divinity are implicated in the whale's powerful late‐twentieth‐century cultural reconfiguration.