bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoantibodies against the calcium‐sensing receptor and cytokines in autoimmune polyglandular syndromes types 2, 3 and 4
Authors: Kemp E. Helen , Kahaly George J. , Porter Julie A. , Frommer Lara , Weetman Anthony P. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe frequency of autoimmunity against the parathyroid glands in patients with polyglandular autoimmunity that is not due to autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is unclear. To investigate this, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of autoantibodies against parathyroid autoantigens, calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) and NACHT leucine‐rich‐repeat protein 5 (NALP5), in a large group of patients with non‐APS1 polyendocrine autoimmunity. Possible occult APS1 was investigated by cytokine autoantibody measurement and AIRE gene analysis.Design, Subjects and MeasurementsSubjects were 178 patients with APS2, 3 or 4, and 80 healthy blood donors. Autoantibodies against the CaSR, NALP5 and cytokines were measured by immunoprecipitation, radioligand binding assays or ELISA, respectively.ResultsFour patient samples (2.2%), but none of the controls, were positive for CaSR autoantibodies. NALP5 autoantibodies were not detected in any participant. Eleven patients (6.2%) had cytokine autoantibodies, but none of the control samples was positive. None of the patients with cytokine autoantibodies had any known or novel mutations in the AIRE gene.ConclusionsThe low prevalence of CaSR autoantibodies indicate a very low level of subclinical parathyroid autoimmunity in APS types 2, 3 and 4. In addition, autoantibodies against cytokines constitute an uncommon feature of non‐APS1 polyglandular autoimmunity.
Prediction of cerebral infarction and patient outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: comparison of new and established radiographic, clinical and combined scores
Authors: Dengler N. F. , Sommerfeld J. , Diesing D. , Vajkoczy P. , Wolf S. 
Published: September 2017

Background and purposeThere are numerous grading scales to describe the severity of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and to predict outcome. Historically, outcome measures are heterogeneous and the comparability of grading scales is therefore limited. We designed this study to compare radiographic, clinical and combined grading systems in aSAH.MethodsData from 423 consecutive patients with aSAH were analyzed. Modified Fisher (mFish), Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI), Hunt and Hess (HH), World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), VASOGRADE (VG) and HAIR scores were calculated from clinical and radiographic data or the combination of both. Outcome measures included the development of new cerebral infarction (CI) and functional patient outcome assessed by the modified Rankin scale.ResultsCerebral infarction and unfavorable outcome were predicted by radiographic, clinical and combined measures (each with P ≤ 0.001). Clinical (HH, WFNS) and combined (VG, HAIR) scores had superior predictive power for CI compared with mFish grading but not BNI [area under the curve (AUC)mFish 0.612, AUCBNI 0.616, AUCWFNS 0.672, AUCHH 0.673, AUCVG 0.674, AUCHAIR 0.638]. Predictive performances of clinical gradings (HH, WFNS) for patient outcome were superior to radiographic measures and of similar quality or better than combined systems (AUCBNI 0.628, AUCmFish 0.654, AUCWFNS 0.736, AUCHH 0.749, AUCVG 0.711, AUCHAIR 0.739).ConclusionsKnowledge of the merits and limitations of clinical, radiographic and combined scores is necessary in routine clinical practice. The new combined grading systems (HAIR, VG) showed no superiority compared with the established clinical measures (WFNS, HH) in predicting CI and unfavorable patient outcome.
Long‐term effects of cognitive rehabilitation on brain, functional outcome and cognition in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Díez‐Cirarda M. , Ojeda N. , Peña J. , Cabrera‐Zubizarreta A. , Lucas‐Jiménez O. , Gómez‐Esteban J. C. , Gómez‐Beldarrain M. Á. , Ibarretxe‐Bilbao N. 
Published: September 2017

Background and purposeCognitive rehabilitation has demonstrated efficacy in producing short‐term cognitive and brain changes in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). To date, no study has assessed the long‐term effects of cognitive rehabilitation using neuroimaging techniques in PD. The aim was to assess the longitudinal effects of a 3‐month cognitive rehabilitation programme evaluating the cognitive, behavioural and neuroimaging changes after 18 months.MethodsFifteen patients with PD underwent a cognitive, behavioural and neuroimaging assessment at pre‐treatment (T0), post‐treatment (T1) and after 18 months (T2). This study examined the long‐term effects (from T0 to T2) and the maintenance of the changes (from T1 to T2). T1‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted, functional magnetic resonance imaging during both a resting‐state and a memory paradigm were acquired. Voxel‐based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistics were used for grey and white matter analyses. A region‐of‐interest‐to‐region‐of‐interest approach was used for resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) and a model‐based approach was used for brain activation during the memory paradigm.ResultsPatients with PD showed increased cognitive performance, decreased functional disability, increased brain FC and activation at T2 compared with T0 (P < 0.05, FDR). Moreover, patients showed maintenance of the improvements in cognition and functionality, and maintenance of the increased brain FC and activation at T2 compared with T1. However, significant grey matter reduction and alterations of white matter integrity were found at T2 (P < 0.05, FWE).ConclusionsFindings suggest that the improved cognitive performance and increased brain FC and activation after cognitive rehabilitation were significantly maintained after 18 months in patients with PD, despite the structural brain changes, consistent with a progression of neurodegenerative processes.
Comparison of the use of a braided multifilament transfixation suture for field castration with other castration techniques
Authors: Koenig J. B. , Sinclair M. , Sorge U. S. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryComplications with castrations occur commonly and are usually not life‐threatening, with the exception of evisceration or haemorrhage, which are uncommon. Primary closure castration (closing deeper tissue layers and skin) or use of a transfixation ligature alone to prevent evisceration has been recommended. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of a closed technique with multifilament suture for transfixation of the spermatic cord alone in field castrations. The results of this study support our hypothesis that a closed castration technique with a multifilament, transfixing ligature (No. 2 polyglactin 910) did not result in additional post‐operative complications when compared with a closed castration technique without ligature placement or a primary closure castration technique in a hospital setting.
PCRfor antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) clonality testing in a horse with a solitary retropharyngeal lymphoma
Authors: Collar E. M. , Parker J. E. , Gorman E. M. , Russell D. S. , Valentine B. A. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryA 19‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding was evaluated for respiratory distress and a rapidly enlarging retropharyngeal mass. Initial evaluation revealed severe respiratory distress, and a large, firm mass, visibly appreciable as 12 × 12 cm, in the left retropharyngeal and perilaryngeal region, with surrounding left and right retropharyngeal swelling. No significant abnormalities were present on complete blood count and serum biochemistry analyses. Endoscopy revealed severe pharyngeal collapse restricting airflow without gross abnormalities of the pharyngeal mucosa other than inflammation and irritation. A multilobular retropharyngeal mass, diffusely heterogeneous in echogenicity, was present adjacent to, but not occluding, the carotid artery as assessed by ultrasonography. Initial needle aspirate suggested lymphoma. Tissue biopsy and histopathology confirmed a round cell tumour. A temporary tracheotomy was performed to provide respiratory relief, and the horse was managed on oral antibiotics and anti‐inflammatory medications while awaiting histopathological results. The decision was made to humanely euthanise the horse after biopsy results indicated lymphoma. Definitive diagnosis of T cell rich, large B cell lymphoma was made by combination of cytology, immunohistochemistry and molecular clonality PCR (PARR) testing. Lymphoma should be considered in horses with focal masses of the retropharyngeal region. Although treatment was not pursued, PARR testing was successful in this case and may be helpful for accurate characterisation of lymphoma in horses to more precisely determine prognosis and the most effective treatment plans, as it has been in human patients and small animals.
Transglutaminases in autoimmune and inherited skin diseases: The phenomena of epitope spreading and functional compensation
Authors: Kárpáti Sarolta , Sárdy Miklós , Németh Krisztián , Mayer Balázs , Smyth Neil , Paulsson Mats , Traupe Heiko 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTransglutaminases (TGs) are structurally and functionally related enzymes that modify the post‐translational structure and activity of proteins or peptides, and thus are able to turn on or switch off their function. Depending on location and activities, TGs are able to modify the signalling, the function and the fate of cells and extracellular connective tissues. Besides mouse models, human diseases enable us to appreciate the function of various TGs. In this study, skin diseases induced by genetic damages or autoimmune targeting of these enzymes will be discussed. TG1, TG3 and TG5 contribute to the cutaneous barrier and thus to the integrity and function of epidermis. TGM1 mutations related to autosomal recessive ichthyosis subtypes, TGM5 mutations to a mild epidermolysis bullosa phenotype and as novelty TGM3 mutation to uncombable hair syndrome will be discussed. Autoimmunity to TG2, TG3 and TG6 may develop in a few of those genetically determined individuals who lost tolerance to gluten, and manifest as coeliac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis or gluten‐dependent neurological symptoms, respectively. These gluten responder diseases commonly occur in combination. In autoimmune diseases, the epitope spreading is remarkable, while in some inherited pathologies, a unique compensation of the lost enzyme function is noted.
Nanoparticles prepared from porcine cells support the healing of cutaneous inflammation in mice and wound re‐epithelialization in human skin
Authors: Kunz Natalia , Hauenschild Eva , Maass Sebastian , Kalies Kai‐Uwe , Klinger Matthias , Barra Melanie , Hecht Lars , Helbig Franz , Soellner Stefan , Caldwell Charles C. , Ludwig Ralf J. , Westermann Jürgen , Kalies Kathrin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPrevious reports have demonstrated that cell‐derived nanoparticles (CDNPs) composed of bovine or porcine protein complexes exerted therapeutic effects against viral infections and cancer in mice and humans. Based on these observations, we asked whether CDNPs would improve inflammatory skin disorders. To address this, we utilized two distinct mouse models of cutaneous inflammation: the autoimmune skin‐blistering disease epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) as an example of an autoantibody‐induced cutaneous inflammation, and Leishmania major (L. major) infection as an example of a pathogen‐induced cutaneous inflammation. In both models, we observed that CDNPs increased mRNA expression of the Th2 cytokine IL‐4. Clinically, CDNPs decreased inflammation due to EBA and increased L. major‐specific IgG1 levels without major effects on infected skin lesions. In addition, CDNPs supported the growth of keratinocytes in human skin cultures. In vitro studies revealed that CDNPs were taken up predominantly by macrophages, leading to a shift towards the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokine genes. Altogether, our data demonstrate that treatment with porcine CDNPs may be a new therapeutic option for the control of autoimmune‐mediated inflammatory skin disorders.
Complex effect of projected sea temperature and wind change on flatfish dispersal
Authors: Lacroix Geneviève , Barbut Léo , Volckaert Filip A. M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractClimate change not only alters ocean physics and chemistry but also affects the biota. Larval dispersal patterns from spawning to nursery grounds and larval survival are driven by hydrodynamic processes and shaped by (a)biotic environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to understand the impacts of increased temperature rise and changes in wind speed and direction on larval drift and survival. We apply a particle‐tracking model coupled to a 3D‐hydrodynamic model of the English Channel and the North Sea to study the dispersal dynamics of the exploited flatfish (common) sole (Solea solea). We first assess model robustness and interannual variability in larval transport over the period 1995–2011. Then, using a subset of representative years (2003–2011), we investigate the impact of climate change on larval dispersal, connectivity patterns and recruitment at the nursery grounds. The impacts of five scenarios inspired by the 2040 projections of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are discussed and compared with interannual variability. The results suggest that 33% of the year‐to‐year recruitment variability is explained at a regional scale and that a 9‐year period is sufficient to capture interannual variability in dispersal dynamics. In the scenario involving a temperature increase, early spawning and a wind change, the model predicts that (i) dispersal distance (+70%) and pelagic larval duration (+22%) will increase in response to the reduced temperature (−9%) experienced by early hatched larvae, (ii) larval recruitment at the nursery grounds will increase in some areas (36%) and decrease in others (−58%) and (iii) connectivity will show contrasting changes between areas. At the regional scale, our model predicts considerable changes in larval recruitment (+9%) and connectivity (retention −4% and seeding +37%) due to global change. All of these factors affect the distribution and productivity of sole and therefore the functioning of the demersal ecosystem and fisheries management.
Chalcogenide glasses with embedded ZnS nanocrystals: Potential mid‐infrared laser host for divalent transition metal ions
Authors: Lu Xiaosong , Zhang Yindong , Ren Jing , Lewis Elfed , Farrell Gerald , Yang Anping , Yang Zhiyong , Wang Pengfei 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChalcogenide glasses (ChGs) containing II‐VI chalcogenide (ChG) nanocrystals such as ZnS/Se have recently been intensively studied as promising mid‐infrared nonlinear optics and laser materials, yet preparation of pure‐phase II‐VI nanocrystals embedded in ChGs via controlled crystallization is still very challenging. In this study, a new system of ChGs and glass ceramics (GCs), viz., (100−x)As2S3–xZnSe (x = 0 ~ 30 mol%), is synthesized, and its physical and optical properties including density, molar volume, microhardness, glass transition temperature, glass network structure, transmission, and refractive index are comprehensively characterized. Significantly, it is initially demonstrated that pure ZnS nanocrystals can be precipitated in GCs simply by a thermal treatment process. The composition and thermal treatment temperature dependencies of crystallization are studied using X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, and the morphology of the nanocrystals by high‐resolution transmission electron microscope. The ChG GCs with embedded ZnS nanocrystals retaining good transparency can be a potential host laser material for divalent transition metals (e.g., Cr2+/Fe2+, etc.), and thus used for ultrabroadband tunable continuous or ultra‐short‐pulsed mid‐infrared fiber lasers.
Luminescence properties and tunable emission of Ag NCs in oxyfluoride glass through REF3 (RE = Y, La and Gd) doping
Authors: Guo Zhuang , Ye Song , Qiao Xvsheng , Wang Deping 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this research, series of Ag nanoclusters (Ag NCs) contained oxyfluoride glasses were prepared using the melt quenching method, in which the REF3 (RE = Y, La, and Gd) were selected as dopants to control their size distribution. The absorption, steady and time‐resolved PL spectra were carried to investigate the size dependent luminescence properties of Ag NCs. The spectral results indicated that the super broadband emission of Ag NCs is contributed by the spin‐allowed (blue side) and the spin‐forbidden (red side) transitions, respectively. Besides, the introduction of REF3 (RE = Y, La, and Gd) can promote the formation of Ag NCs with different sizes and therefore modulated their luminescence properties. The maximum external quantum yields of Ag NCs with emissions at 430, 510, 520, and 570 nm were evaluated to be 24.6%, 40.7%, 56.3% and 30.7%, respectively, which can be obtained in SAg, SAgLa, SAgGd, and SAgY.
Effects of calcium on setting mechanism of metakaolin‐based geopolymer
Authors: Chen Xu , Sutrisno Andre , Struble Leslie J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractGeopolymer setting is seen to be substantially accelerated by addition of calcium and the objective of this study was to determine the mechanism for this effect by examining metakaolin geopolymers with and without calcium. Solid‐state27Al NMR tests were used to examine the dissolution extent both qualitatively and quantitatively. Solid‐state29Si NMR tests were conducted to determine the amount and structure of each phase. Prior to the quantitative tests, chemical extractions were used to facilitate assignment of peaks in each spectrum. On addition of calcium, it was found that both the rate and the extent of metakaolin dissolution were enhanced. Accelerating dissolution increases the Al concentration in solution, thus reducing Si/Al available for geopolymer gel formation and further accelerating the gel formation to cause faster setting. Although C‐A‐S‐H was observed in the calcium mix, no evidence indicated that it is directly involved in setting.
Effect of a Multimodal Educational Intervention on Use of Urinary Catheters in Hospitalized Individuals
Authors: Norman Richard E. , Ramsden Rebecca , Ginty Leanne , Sinha Samir K. 
Published: September 2017

Background/ObjectivesUrinary catheters are frequently used in hospital inpatients despite their association with greater morbidity and mortality. Reducing their unnecessary use can improve patient care. The objective of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of a multimodal nursing and physician education intervention to reduce the unnecessary use of urinary catheters in adult inpatients.DesignQuasi‐experimental interrupted time series study.SettingGeneral internal medicine and surgical services of a large urban teaching hospital.ParticipantsAdmissions to the services under study during the study period (September 2009 to February 2013) (N = 21,550).InterventionA multimodal educational intervention incorporating educational posters, small‐group teaching sessions, and changes to the hospital's electronic health records and nursing clinical documentation systems were introduced to nurses and physicians.MeasurementsMean catheter days per patient (CDPP) and incidence of urinary catheterization, measured at monthly intervals throughout the study period.ResultsA decrease in mean CDPP of 5.6 and 6.5 days (P < .001) respectively was observed on the medical and surgical services following the intervention. The monthly incidence of catheterization decreased by 3.0 percentage points on medical units and 6.4 percentage points on surgical units immediately after the intervention, from an average of 14.5% and 15.0%, respectively, before the intervention. Similar degrees of improvement were observed for individuals of all ages, although older adults remained more likely to be catheterized. The effect persisted over nearly 3 years of observed follow‐up.ConclusionsA relatively simple multimodal educational intervention targeting nurses and physicians resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in CDPP and the proportion of participants catheterized.
γ‐Secretase in microglia – implications for neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation
Authors: Walter Jochen , Kemmerling Nadja , Wunderlich Patrick , Glebov Konstantin 
Published: September 2017

Abstractγ‐Secretase is an intramembrane cleaving protease involved in the generation of the Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐associated amyloid β peptide (Aβ). γ‐Secretase is ubiquitously expressed in different organs, and also in different cell types of the human brain. Besides the involvement in the proteolytic generation of Aβ from the amyloid precursor protein, γ‐secretase cleaves many additional protein substrates, suggesting pleiotropic functions under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Microglia exert important functions during brain development and homeostasis in adulthood, and accumulating evidence indicates that microglia and neuroinflammatory processes contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies demonstrate functional implications of γ‐secretase in microglia, suggesting that alterations in γ‐secretase activity could contribute to AD pathogenesis by modulation of microglia and related neuroinflammatory processes during neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the involvement of γ‐secretase in the regulation of microglial functions, and the potential relevance of these processes under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
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This article is part of the series “Beyond Amyloid”.
Correlation between direction and severity of temporomandibular joint disc displacement and reduction ability during mouth opening
Authors: Litko M. , Berger M. , Szkutnik J. , Różyło‐Kalinowska I. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe most common temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement is an abnormal relationship of the disc with respect to the mandibular condyle, articular eminence and glenoid fossa‐disc displacement. The aim of our study was to analyse the correlation between partial/complete disc displacement in the intercuspal position (IP) and its reduction in the open‐mouth position (OMP) in both oblique sagittal and coronal planes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Multisection MRI analysis of 382 TMJs was conducted in 191 patients with disc displacement according to the RDC/TMD criteria (148 women, 43 men; aged 14‐60 years). The disc position was evaluated on all oblique sagittal and coronal images in the IP and the OMP. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of disc displacement in the sagittal plane is a statistically significant predictor of reduction ability during mouth opening (B = 3.118; P < .001). Moreover, the severity of disc displacement in both planes is also a significant predictor of disc reduction in OMP (B = 2.200; P < .05). In conclusion, reduction ability during mouth opening is associated with the severity of disc displacement in IP, in both sagittal and coronal planes. Multisection analysis of all MR images allows distinguishing the correct disc position from disc displacement and can improve the ability to distinguish between various stages of TMJ internal derangement.