bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histological variability and consequences in chronic bird‐related hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Ochi Junichi , Ohtani Yoshio , Takemura Tamiko , Akashi Takumi , Tateishi Tomoya , Miyazaki Yasunari , Inase Naohiko , Yoshizawa Yasuyuki 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveLobar and temporal histological variability in chronic bird‐related hypersensitivity pneumonitis (BRHP) has not been clearly elucidated. This study was designed to evaluate the spatio‐temporal histopathological variability in chronic BRHP.MethodsFifty‐two patients with chronic BRHP who underwent a surgical lung biopsy (SLB) between 1992 and 2008 were evaluated. The histopathological characteristics of the lung biopsy specimens were classified by the 2002 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) consensus classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs). Autopsy specimens from seven patients were also evaluated to examine the serial changes from SLB to autopsy.ResultsIn a study of lobar histological variability based on the findings of SLB, 7 patients were diagnosed with cellular nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) pattern, 16 with fibrotic NSIP pattern, 20 with fibrotic NSIP pattern and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (discordant UIP) pattern and 9 with UIP (concordant UIP) pattern. In a study of sequential changes, specimens of SLBs with fibrotic NSIP pattern changed to a bronchiolocentric interstitial pneumonia (BIP) pattern or UIP pattern.ConclusionInterlobar and intralobar histological variability is present in chronic BRHP. In several patients with chronic BRHP, a fibrotic NSIP pattern may be an early lesion that progresses to a UIP pattern.
Changes in main pulmonary artery diameter during follow‐up have prognostic implications in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R. , Johnson Scott , Alkukhun Laith , Yadav Ruchi , Dweik Raed A. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveA dilated pulmonary artery (PA) is a common finding in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Little is known on the variations in PA size over time and whether these changes track with disease severity and/or predict long‐term survival.MethodsWe included patients with PAH who had at least two computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest done on different visits. Both scans matched the use of i.v. contrast.ResultsPairs of CT scans were compared in 113 PAH patients. During a median (interquartile range (IQR)) time difference between scans of 8 (IQR: 3.5–20.0) months, we noted an increase in main PA diameter of 0.5 ± 1.8 mm (mean ± SD) (P = 0.008). When CT scans were performed >12 months apart (n = 47), the main PA diameter increased or decreased by >1 mm in 40% and 13% of the patients, respectively. An increase in main PA diameter was associated with lower PA compliance, higher right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure, worse RV function and a decline in 6‐min walk distance. During a median (IQR) follow‐up of 33 (IQR: 4.5–47) months, 53 (46.9%) patients died. The change in PA diameter was a significant predictor of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) per mm increase: 1.33 (95% CI: 1.11–1.61), P = 0.002) when adjusted for difference in time and slice thickness between CT scans, age, gender, PAH aetiology and pulmonary vascular resistance.ConclusionIn PAH patients, an increase in CT‐derived main PA diameter over time is associated with progression in pulmonary pressures, RV dysfunction, a decline in functional capacity and higher mortality.
sPD‐L1 Expression is Associated with Immunosuppression and Infectious Complications in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Chen Y. , Li M. , Liu J. , Pan T. , Zhou T. , Liu Z. , Tan R. , Wang X. , Tian L. , Chen E. , Qu H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAcute pancreatitis (AP) with infectious complications has high mortality because of early‐stage immunosuppression. The programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) pathway is an important host immunosuppression mechanism. Soluble PD‐L1 (sPD‐L1) expression regulates co‐inhibitory signals in malignancies or autoimmune disorders; however, its effects in AP are unknown. Here, we evaluated whether serum sPD‐L1 is involved in immune dysfunction and assessed its relationship with infectious complications in early AP. Blood samples were obtained from 56 patients with acute pancreatitis and 21 healthy individuals in this prospective study. Serum sPD‐L1 levels within 48 h after AP onset were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Relevant immune parameters (human leucocyte antigen‐DR, lymphocyte count) and inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, white blood cell count) were analysed. sPD‐L1 was significantly upregulated in patients with early AP, especially those with infectious complications, compared to healthy controls. Significant negative correlations were observed among monocyte HLA‐DR expression, lymphocyte count and sPD‐L1 levels in AP. Multivariate regression indicated that sPD‐L1 was an independent risk factor for infectious complications in AP. The findings suggest that increased sPD‐L1 expression appears to be involved in the development of immunosuppression in the early stage of AP and that sPD‐L1 might be an early parameter for prediction of infectious complications in patients with AP.
The Role of Circulating T Follicular Helper Cells and Regulatory Cells in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Guo Z. , Liang H. , Xu Y. , Liu L. , Ren X. , Zhang S. , Wei S. , Xu P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractT follicular helper (Tfh) cells and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are identified as the new subset of immune cells. This study aims to investigate the role of circulating Tfh cells (cTfh) and Tfr (cTfr) cells in the pathogenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 27 NSCLC patients and 19 age and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled. The percentage of cTfh and cTfr was detected by flow cytometric analysis. Compared to healthy controls, a significantly higher percentage of both cTfh and cTfr cells were observed in NSCLC patients (for cTfh, 18.88% ± 16.84% versus 5.98% ± 3.70%, P < 0.01; for cTfr, 2.67% ± 2.20% versus 1.14% ± 0.76%, P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between cTfh/cTfr ratio and age in NSCLC patients (P < 0.05). When taking age 60 as a cut‐off, the percentage of both cTfh cells and cTfr cells were higher in older patients than younger patients. Moreover, our data showed there was lower percentage of cTfh cells in NSCLC patients with early stage disease (I and II) (12.10% ± 12.22%) than that in advanced stage disease (III and IV) (30.41% ± 17.87%) (P < 0.01). However, no significant relationship was observed between cTfr cells and clinical stage in NSCLC patients. A higher percentage of cTfh cells was observed in patients with squamous cell carcinoma compared with adenocarcinoma (31.70% ± 20.73% versus. 13.48% ± 11.78%, P < 0.05). Taken together, there was significantly higher percentage of cTfh and cTfr cells in NSCLC patients. cTfh and cTfr cells might play an important role in the pathogenesis of NSCLC patients.
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in HIV Co‐infected Individuals: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities for the Future
Authors: Méndez‐Samperio P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most important causes of death among people co‐infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The diagnosis of TB remains challenging in HIV co‐infected individuals, due to a high frequency of smear‐negative disease and high rates of extrapulmonary TB. Accurate, ease of use and rapid diagnosis of active TB are critical to the World Health Organization (WHO) End TB Strategy by 2050. Traditional laboratory techniques do not provide rapid and accurate results to effectively manage HIV co‐infected patients. Over the last decade, molecular methods have provided significant steps in the fight against TB. However, many HIV co‐infected patients do not have access to these molecular diagnostic tests. Given the costs closely related with confirming a TB diagnosis in HIV patients, an overtreatment for TB is used in this patient population. Nowadays, an estimated US $8 billion a year is required to provide TB treatment, which is very high compared with making an important strategy to improve the current diagnostic tests. This review focuses on current advances in diagnosing active TB with an emphasis on the diagnosis of HIV‐associated TB. Also discussed are the main challenges that need to be overcome for improving an adequate initial diagnosis of active TB in HIV‐positive patients.
Unstable rocker shoes promote recovery from marathon‐induced muscle damage in novice runners
Authors: Nakagawa K. , Inami T. , Yonezu T. , Kenmotsu Y. , Narita T. , Kawakami Y. , Kanosue K. 
Published: May 2017

We recently reported that wearing unstable rocker shoes (Masai Barefoot Technology: MBT) may enhance recovery from marathon race‐induced fatigue. However, this earlier study only utilized a questionnaire. In this study, we evaluated MBT utilizing objective physiological measures of recovery from marathon‐induced muscle damages. Twenty‐five university student novice runners were divided into two groups. After running a full marathon, one group wore MBT shoes (MBT group), and the control group (CON) wore ordinary shoes daily for 1 week following the race. We measured maximal isometric joint torque, muscle hardness (real time tissue elastography of the strain ratio) in the lower limb muscles before, immediately after, and 1, 3, and 8 days following the marathon. We calculated the magnitude of recovery by observing the difference in each value between the first measurement and the latter measurements. Results showed that isometric torques in knee flexion recovered at the first day after the race in the MBT group while it did not recover even at the eighth day in the CON group. Muscle hardness in the gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis showed enhanced recovery in the MBT group in comparison with the CON group. Also for muscle hardness in the tibialis anterior and biceps femoris, the timing of recovery was delayed in the CON group. In conclusion, wearing MBT shoes enhanced recovery in lower leg and thigh muscles from muscle damage induced by marathon running.
Autofluorescence of collagen fibres in scar
Authors: Zhao H. L. , Zhang C. P. , Zhu H. , Jiang Y. F. , Fu X. B. 
Published: May 2017

Background/purposeAutofluorescence has become an important factor associated with diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.MethodsFull thickness skin grafts and scar biopsies were obtained from five volunteers. The normal skin or scar tissue paraffin‐wax sections were stained with HE and the autofluorescence of collagen fibres was viewed under fluorescence microscopy.ResultsIn normal skin, the autofluorescence was showed in dermis, specifically in collagen fibres. There was very weak autofluorescence in epidermis. The spectrum was excited at 488 nm and the peak value of autofluorescence was significantly different between reticular layer (169.24±9.18) and papillar layer of dermis (103.91±15.23). In scar tissue, the autofluorescence was showed in collagen fibres and the peak value was 176.71±20.69. The structure of collagen fibres in normal skin or scar tissue was different in loose degree, thickness, boundle size, and morphology by their autofluorescence.ConclusionThe different peak value of autofluorescence between scar and normal skin may due to the different density of collagen fibtes in them. This study may provide us a simple and effective assessment indicator and method for diagnosis and treatment of scar.
Repeatability of vessel density measurement in human skin by OCT‐based microangiography
Authors: Men S. J. , Chen C‐L. , Wei W. , Lai T‐Y. , Song S. Z. , Wang R. K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the repeatability of vessel density measurement at human arm skin in healthy subjects with OCT‐based microangiography (OMAG).MethodsFour locations including volar wrist, volar forearm, shoulder, and volar upper arm were scanned using an optimized swept source OCT system, working at center wavelength of 1300 nm and A‐line rate of 100 kHz. Three scans were acquired at each location at the same visit. Vascular images of papillary dermis, reticular dermis, and the whole dermis layer were generated with OMAG processing and automatic segmentation algorithms. The vessel density (VD) of each layer was calculated based on vascular images, and the repeatability of the VD at the same physiological location was thereafter assessed.ResultsFifteen healthy volunteers were included. High repeatability of VD was found for wrist, forearm, shoulder, and upper arm (coefficient of variation (CV)=2.4, 2.7, 2.7, 2.0, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.906, 0.854, 0.943, 0.916 respectively). The VD measurements showed no significant difference between the four locations in any of the three layers, ie papillary layer (P=.1063), reticular layer (P=.3371), and whole dermis layer (P=.3233).ConclusionQuantification of VD by using OCT/OMAG is repeatable when imaging skin tissue beds in healthy individuals.
Fecal microbiota transplantation outcomes in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients: A single‐center experience
Authors: Alrabaa Sally , Jariwala Ripal , Zeitler Kristen , Montero Jose 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundClostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major infectious disease focus for which fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used with success in various patient populations.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of FMT in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients to review outcomes at our center, with a focus on identifying risk factors for FMT failure in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. FMT was conducted using universal banked frozen stool via naso‐duodenal tube in patients with recurrent CDI of 3 or more episodes per our institutional protocol.ResultsThirteen patients were included in the analysis, 6 who were immunocompetent and 7 who were immunocompromised. Of these, 6 patients had a history of SOT and were primarily abdominal organ recipients. All immunocompetent patients experienced success with FMT, while 3 immunocompromised SOT patients experienced failure. Two patients who failed FMT had a second FMT, which was successful in one patient and failed in the second patient. No adverse events were noted with FMT administration. A predictor of FMT failure was antimicrobial exposure pre‐FMT.ConclusionsThis study highlights the safe use of FMT for recurrent CDI with variable efficacy in immunocompromised patients. Antimicrobial exposure prior to FMT was an identified risk factor for FMT failure. The use of sequential FMT in SOT patients may be considered but ultimately requires further investigation.
Hair follicle specific ACVR1/ALK2 critically affects skin morphogenesis and attenuates wound healing
Authors: Sorkin Michael , Agarwal Shailesh , Ranganathan Kavitha , Loder Shawn , Cholok David , Fireman David , Li John , Li Shuli , Zhao Bin , Mishina Yuji , Cederna Paul , Levi Benjamin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe bone morphogenic protein signaling (BMP) is intricately involved in the quiescence and regulation of stem cells through activation of BMP receptors. Hair follicle stem cells play a critical role in cutaneous homeostasis and regeneration. Here, we utilize a novel mouse model with targeted overexpression of the BMP receptor ALK2/ACVR1 in hair follicle stem cells, to characterize its role in skin development and postnatal wound healing. Initial histologic evaluation demonstrated significant dysregulation in hair follicle morphogenesis in mutant mice. These demonstrated increased numbers of individual hair follicles with altered morphology and localization. Mutant follicles were found to exhibit elevated proliferative activity as well as increased prevalence of CD34 and ITGA6 positive follicle stem cells. Interestingly, constitutive overexpression of ALK2 resulted in attenuation of cutaneous wound healing. These findings demonstrate that hair follicle specific ALK2 is intricately involved in maintenance of the stem cell niche and wound healing.
Facilitation of mossy fibre‐driven spiking in the cerebellar nuclei by the synchrony of inhibition
Authors: Wu Yeechan , Raman Indira M. 
Published: May 2017

Key points
Large premotor neurons of the cerebellar nuclei (CbN cells) integrate synaptic inhibition from Purkinje neurons and synaptic excitation from mossy fibres to generate cerebellar output.
We find that mossy fibre inputs to CbN cells generate unitary AMPA receptor EPSCs of ∼1 nS that decay in ∼1 ms and mildly voltage‐dependent NMDA receptor EPSCs of ∼0.6 nS that decay in ∼7 ms.
A few hundred mossy fibres active at a few tens of spikes s−1 must converge on CbN cells to generate physiological CbN spike rates (∼60 spikes s−1) during convergent inhibition from spontaneously active Purkinje cells.
Dynamic clamp studies in cerebellar slices from weanling mice demonstrate that synaptic excitation from mossy fibres becomes more effective at increasing the rate of CbN cell spiking when the coherence (synchrony) of convergent inhibition is increased.
AbstractLarge projection neurons of the cerebellar nuclei (CbN cells), whose activity generates movement, are inhibited by Purkinje cells and excited by mossy fibres. The high convergence, firing rates and strength of Purkinje inputs predict powerful suppression of CbN cell spiking, raising the question of what activity patterns favour excitation over inhibition. Recording from CbN cells at near‐physiological temperatures in cerebellar slices from weanling mice, we measured the amplitude, kinetics, voltage dependence and short‐term plasticity of mossy fibre‐mediated EPSCs. Unitary EPSCs were small and brief (AMPA receptor, ∼1 nS, ∼1 ms; NMDA receptor, ∼0.6 nS, ∼7 ms) and depressed moderately. Using these experimentally measured parameters, we applied combinations of excitation and inhibition to CbN cells with dynamic clamp. Because Purkinje cells can fire coincident simple spikes during cerebellar behaviours, we varied the proportion (0–20 of 40) and precision (0–4 ms jitter) of synchrony of inhibitory inputs, along with the rates (0–100 spikes s−1) and number (0–800) of excitatory inputs. Even with inhibition constant, when inhibitory synchrony was higher, excitation increased CbN cell firing rates more effectively. Partial inhibitory synchrony also dictated CbN cell spike timing, even with physiological rates of excitation. These effects were present with ≥10 inhibitory inputs active within 2–4 ms of each other. Conversely, spiking was most effectively suppressed when inhibition was maximally asynchronous. Thus, the rate and relative timing of Purkinje‐mediated inhibition set the rate and timing of cerebellar output. The results suggest that increased coherence of Purkinje cell activity can facilitate mossy fibre‐driven spiking by CbN cells, in turn driving movements.
Sit-Stand Desks To Reduce Workplace Sitting Time In Office Workers With Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: MacEwen Brittany T. , Saunders Travis J. , MacDonald Dany J. , Burr Jamie F. 
Published: May 2017

Background:Sit-stand desks reduce workplace sitting time among healthy office workers; however, their metabolic and behavioral impact in higher risk populations remains unknown.Methods:25 office workers with abdominal obesity were randomized to an intervention (sit-stand workstation) or control group (seated desk) for 12 weeks. Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed before and after the intervention period in both groups.Results:In comparison with the control group, which did not change, the intervention group experienced significant reductions in workday (344 ± 107 to 186 ± 101 min/day) and total (645 ± 140 to 528 ± 91 min/day) sitting time, as well as increases in workday standing time (154 ± 108 to 301 ± 101 min/day, P < .05). There were no changes in sitting or standing time outside of work hours, steps taken each day, or any marker of cardiometabolic risk in either group (all P > .05).Conclusion:Sit-stand desks were effective in reducing workplace sedentary behavior in an at-risk population, with no change in sedentary behavior or physical activity outside of work hours. However, these changes were not sufficient to improve markers of cardiometabolic risk in this population.
Childhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage, Occupational, Leisure-Time, and Household Physical Activity, and Diabetes in Adulthood
Authors: Tsenkova Vera K. , Lee Chioun , Boylan Jennifer Morozink 
Published: May 2017

Background:Regular physical activity is a key way to prevent disease. However, we have a limited understanding of the socioeconomic precursors and glucoregulatory sequelae of engaging in physical activity in different domains.Methods:We examined the associations among life course socioeconomic disadvantage; meeting the physical activity guidelines with leisure-time physical activity, occupational physical activity, or household physical activity; and prediabetes and diabetes in the Midlife in the United States national study (N = 986).Results:Childhood disadvantage was associated with lower odds of meeting the guidelines with leisure-time physical activity (odds ratio = 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.86). Adulthood disadvantage was associated with higher odds of meeting the guidelines with occupational physical activity (odds ratio = 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.49–2.53). Importantly, while meeting the guidelines with leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower odds of prediabetes and diabetes, we found no evidence for associations among occupational physical activity, household physical activity, and glucoregulation.Conclusion:Current US physical activity guidelines do not differentiate between physical activity for leisure or work, assuming that physical activity in any domain confers comparable health benefits. We documented important differences in the associations among lifetime socioeconomic disadvantage, physical activity domain, and diabetes, suggesting that physical activity domain potentially belongs in the guidelines, similar to other characteristics of activity (eg, type, intensity).
Worldwide Surveillance, Policy, and Research on Physical Activity and Health: The Global Observatory for Physical Activity
Authors: Varela Andrea Ramirez , Pratt Michael , Powell Kenneth , Lee I-Min , Bauman Adrian , Heath Gregory , Martins Rafaela Costa , Kohl Harold , Hallal Pedro C. 
Published: May 2017

Background:The Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) was launched in response to the physical inactivity pandemic. The aim of this article is to present current information about surveillance, policy, and research on physical activity (PA) and health worldwide.Methods:Information was collected for 217 countries. For 139 of these nations we identified a contact who confirmed information’s accuracy and completeness. Associations were calculated among surveillance, policy and research categories.Results:Of the 139 countries, 90.6% reported having completed 1 or more PA survey, but less than one-third had 3 or more. 106 included PA on a national plan, but only one-quarter of these were PA-specific. At least 1 peer reviewed publication was identified for 63.3% of the countries. Positive associations (P < .001) were found between research and policy (ρ = 0.35), research and surveillance (ρ = 0.41), and surveillance and policy (ρ = 0.31). Countries with a standalone plan were more likely to have surveillance. Countries with more research were more likely to have a standalone plan and surveillance.Conclusions:Surveillance, policy, and research indicators were positively correlated, suggesting that action at multiple levels tends to stimulate progress in other areas. Efforts to expand PA-related surveillance, policy, and research in lower income countries are needed.