bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma exchange and chelator therapy rescues acute liver failure in Wilson disease without liver transplantation
Authors: Kido Jun , Matsumoto Shirou , Momosaki Ken , Sakamoto Rieko , Mitsubuchi Hiroshi , Inomata Yukihiro , Endo Fumio , Nakamura Kimitoshi 
Published: March 2016

AimWilson disease (WD) in patients with a New Wilson Index (NWI) score ≥ 11 is fatal, and these patients are good candidates for liver transplantation (LT). However, plasma exchange and chelator therapy are indispensable and effective even for WD with a score ≥ 11. Moreover, continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) with these treatments is essential for acute liver failure (ALF) in WD with hepatic encephalopathy because CHDF can exclude toxic metabolites that may cause damage to the brain. Here, we describe four rescued patients presenting with ALF in WD and discuss the available treatment options.MethodsWe have experienced 11 male and 8 female patients presenting with WD at the Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital between 1999 and 2014. A male and 4 female patients were diagnosed as WD with ALF using a combination of clinical findings and biochemical tests.ResultsThe NWI score was ≥ 11 in cases 1 to 3. Cases 1 and 2 with hepatic encephalopathy received plasma exchange, CHDF, coagulation factor replacement treatment (CFRT) and LT. Cases 3 and 4 without encephalopathy obtained stable status without LT by plasma exchange, blood infusion, and CFRT.ConclusionsIt is better to undergo LT for WD patients with a NWI score ≥ 11, however, there is a possibility of remission by plasma exchange and medical therapy even without LT. WD patients with a NWI score ≥ 11can be rescued by conservative therapy when the ALF of WD does not present with ALF and hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, ALF with hepatic encephalopathy itself is an indication for LT in WD.
The effect of a hydrous phase on P‐wave velocity anisotropy within a detachment shear zone in the slow‐spreading oceanic crust: A case study from the Godzilla Megamullion, Philippine Sea
Authors: Michibayashi Katsuyoshi , Watanabe Tohru , Harigane Yumiko , Ohara Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe studied the contributions of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and amphibole to the P‐wave velocity properties of gabbroic mylonites of the Godzilla Megamullion (site KH07‐02‐D18) in the Parece Vela Rift of the central Parece Vela Basin, Philippine Sea, based on their crystal‐preferred orientations (CPOs), mineral modes, and elastic constants and densities of single crystals. The gabbroic mylonites have been classified into three types based on their microstructures and temperature conditions: HT1, HT2 and medium‐temperature (MT) mylonites. The P‐wave velocity properties of the HT1 mylonite are dominantly influenced by plagioclase CPOs. Secondary amphibole occurred after deformation in the HT1 mylonite, so that its effect on P‐wave velocity anisotropy is minimal due to weak CPOs. Although the HT2 mylonite developed deformation microstructures in the three minerals, the P‐wave velocity properties of the HT2 mylonite are essentially isotropic, resulting from the destructive interference of different P‐wave velocity anisotropy patterns produced by the distinct CPOs of the three constituent minerals (i.e., plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and amphibole). The P‐wave velocity properties of the MT mylonite are influenced mainly by amphibole CPOs, whereas the effect of plagioclase CPOs on P‐wave velocity anisotropy becomes very small with a decrease in the intensity of plagioclase CPOs. As a result, the gabbroic mylonites tend to have weak P‐wave velocity anisotropy in seismic velocity, although their constituent minerals show distinct CPOs. Such weakness in the whole‐rock P‐wave velocity anisotropy could result from the destructive contributions of the different mineral CPOs with respect to the structural framework (foliation and lineation). These results show that amphibole has a high potential for P‐wave velocity anisotropy by aligning both crystallographically and dimensionally during deformation in the hydrous oceanic crust. The results also suggest that the effect of a hydrous phase on P‐wave velocity anisotropy within the detachment shear zone in a slow‐spreading oceanic crust varies depending on the degree of deformation and on the timing of hydrothermal activity.
A Late Cretaceous mammalian dentary from the Ashizawa Formation (Futaba Group), Fukushima, northeastern Japan
Authors: Kusuhashi Nao , Suzuki Tadashi , Terui Kazuaki , Sato Atsushi , Amiot Romain 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA mammalian dentary discovered in the Coniacian Ashizawa Formation (Fukushima, northeastern Japan) is described. The specimen is a fragment of the horizontal ramus of a left edentulous dentary with five alveoli, the distal four of which are plugged with broken roots. Based on the morphologies of the dentary and the roots, it is considered to be of a therian mammal. This constitutes the first discovery of a Mesozoic mammal in northeastern Japan and highlights the potential for future mammal discoveries in the Cretaceous System in northeastern Japan, which will be significant for disclosure of the mammalian faunal evolution in East Asia during the Late Cretaceous.
Variation in selection pressure acting on body size by age and sex in a reverse sexual size dimorphic raptor
Authors: Warkentin Ian G. , Espie Richard H. M. , Lieske David J. , James Paul C. 
Published: March 2016

Body size strongly influences fitness, with larger individuals benefiting in terms of both greater productivity and survivorship; for reverse sexual size dimorphic (RSD) species, this relationship may be more complex. We examined the selection pressures acting on body size in male and female MerlinsFalco columbariusto assess whether larger or smaller individuals of thisRSDspecies were favoured in terms of survival and breeding performance. For males and females there were clear links between body size and survival but the exact relationship varied by sex. Among males, birds that survived each year class were larger than those that died and yearlings were on average smaller than older birds, but there were no measurable differences among adult males (age 2+). Among females, larger individuals aged 1 and 2 years were more likely to survive, but this size‐based pattern was not apparent in older age classes. Size early in life predicted the lifespan in male Merlins but not as strongly as for females and not for the largest individuals. Reproductive performance based on brood size was not associated with body size in either males or females, but there was a weak positive relationship between female body size and lifetime reproductive success. Selection appears to favour larger males and females but there is no indication that the population is evolving towards bigger individuals, perhaps in part due to selection against the largest birds. Increased survival may allow larger and higher quality individuals to occupy higher quality territories as they age and thereby to accrue greater lifetime reproductive success in the process.
2‐Hydroxyisocaproic acid is bactericidal in human dental root canals ex vivo
Authors: Sakko M. , Tjäderhane L. , Sorsa T. , Hietala P. , Rautemaa R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo compare the activity of 2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) against Enterococcus faecalis T‐75359 (root canal isolate) in the root canals of extracted human teeth.MethodologyBacterial suspensions (108 cfu mL−1) were incubated in root canals with 0.9 mm diameter root blocks (n = 73) for 21 days. Bacterial penetration into dentine was analysed by the Brown and Brenn method (n = 5). Canals (n = 17/group) were medicated with 40% of HICA paste, 40% of Ca(OH)2 paste, 2% of CHG solution or 0.9% of saline solution for 7 days. Samples taken from the inner (first 0.1 mm) and deeper (second 0.1 mm) dentine, and residual roots were cultured in broth for 24 h. Bacterial growth was detected by spectrophotometry (optical density, OD) and confirmed by culture on agar. The OD data were analysed with Kruskal–Wallis and Friedman with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test between and within groups, respectively, and agar culture data with Pearson chi‐square with Mann–Whitney and Cochran with McNemar tests, respectively (P < 0.05).ResultsBacterial invasion into dentine tubules was confirmed. In deeper dentine, HICA inhibited >90% of bacterial growth in comparison with saline. No bacterial growth was observed in 82–100% of inner and deeper dentine samples. CHG prevented the growth in 88%, Ca(OH)2 in 59–76% and saline in 65–71%, respectively. HICA was significantly more active than Ca(OH)2 (P = 0.008) in the residual roots. The viability testing on agar showed essentially the same result.ConclusionHICA paste exerted superior activity against E. faecalis and could have potential for root canal medication.
Discounted labour? Disaggregating care work in comparative perspective
Authors: LIGHTMAN Naomi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis article contrasts the earnings of high‐ and low‐status care workers in Canada, the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan (China) using the micro‐data files of the Luxembourg Income Study. By disaggregating existing definitions of care work, the author identifies occupations with lower and higher degrees of “social closure”, revealing the associated care penalties and care bonuses cross‐nationally. She also empirically measures the extent of similarities (and differences) between and within care economies in “liberal” and “productivist developmental” welfare regimes, offering support for the argument that globalization has fostered substantial convergence within the international care market.
Emerging role of microRNAs in regulating macrophage activation and polarization in immune response and inflammation
Authors: Wu Xiao‐qin , Dai Yao , Yang Yang , Huang Cheng , Meng Xiao‐ming , Wu Bao‐ming , Li Jun 
Published: March 2016

SummaryDiversity and plasticity are hallmarks of macrophages. Classically activated macrophages are considered to promote T helper type 1 responses and have strong microbicidal, pro‐inflammatory activity, whereas alternatively activated macrophages are supposed to be associated with promotion of tissue remodelling and responses to anti‐inflammatory reactions. Transformation of different macrophage phenotypes is reflected in their different, sometimes even opposite, roles in various diseases or inflammatory conditions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of macrophage polarization (MP). Several miRNAs are induced by Toll‐like receptors signalling in macrophages and target the 3′‐untranslated regions of mRNAs encoding key molecules involved in MP. Therefore, identification of miRNAs related to the dynamic changes of MP and understanding their functions in regulating this process are important for discussing the molecular basis of disease progression and developing novel miRNA‐targeted therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the current knowledge of the role of miRNAs in MP with relevance to immune response and inflammation.
Clinical safety and effectiveness evaluation of a new antimicrobial wound dressing designed to manage exudate, infection and biofilm
Authors: Metcalf Daniel G , Parsons David , Bowler Philip G 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe objective of this work was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a next‐generation antimicrobial wound dressing (NGAD; AQUACEL® Ag+ Extra™ dressing) designed to manage exudate, infection and biofilm. Clinicians were requested to evaluate the NGAD within their standard protocol of care for up to 4 weeks, or as long as deemed clinically appropriate, in challenging wounds that were considered to be impeded by suspected biofilm or infection. Baseline information and post‐evaluation dressing safety and effectiveness data were recorded using standardised evaluation forms. This data included wound exudate levels, wound bed appearance including suspected biofilm, wound progression, skin health and dressing usage. A total of 112 wounds from 111 patients were included in the evaluations, with a median duration of 12 months, and biofilm was suspected in over half of all wounds (54%). After the introduction of the NGAD, exudate levels had shifted from predominantly high or moderate to low or moderate levels, while biofilm suspicion fell from 54% to 27% of wounds. Wound bed coverage by tissue type was generally shifted from sloughy or suspected biofilm towards predominantly granulation tissue after the inclusion of the NGAD. Stagnant (65%) and deteriorating wounds (27%) were shifted to improved (65%) or healed wounds (13%), while skin health was also reported to have improved in 63% of wounds. High levels of clinician satisfaction with the dressing effectiveness and change frequency were accompanied by a low number of dressing‐related adverse events (n = 3; 2·7%) and other negative observations or comments. This clinical user evaluation supports the growing body of evidence that the anti‐biofilm technology in the NGAD results in a safe and effective dressing for the management of a variety of challenging wound types.
Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Can Ivabradine Reduce Its Occurrence?
Authors: ABDEL‐SALAM ZAINAB , NAMMAS WAIL 
Published: March 2016

Ivabradine in Postoperative Atrial FibrillationIntroductionWe compared the efficacy of perioperative ivabradine, bisoprolol, or both for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Methods and ResultsWe enrolled 740 consecutive patients scheduled for elective CABG with/without valve surgery. Patients were assigned to 1 of 3 protocols: ivabradine given perioperatively (48 hours preoperatively, then 1 week postoperatively) 5 mg bid for 24 hours, then 7.5 mg bid thereafter in patients who can tolerate (group 1, n = 212); bisoprolol given perioperatively 5 mg bid (group 2, n = 288); or both drugs given perioperatively (ivabradine as before + bisoprolol 5 mg once daily) (group 3, n = 240). Cardiac rhythm was continuously monitored for 15 days postoperatively by ambulatory event recorder. Clinical follow‐up for the occurrence of arrhythmias was performed for the next 15 days. The primary endpoint was the incidence of AF at 30‐day follow‐up. Mean age was 56.5 ± 8.9 years (30.5% females). All patients completed 30‐day follow‐up. AF occurred in 10.4%. The 3 groups were matched for most baseline characteristics, echocardiographic and angiographic data (P > 0.05 for all). The incidence of AF was significantly lower in group 3 (4.2%), compared with group 1 (15.5%), and group 2 (12.2%), (P < 0.001 both). The duration of stay in the intensive care unit was shorter in group 3 versus group 1 and 2 (P < 0.001 both).ConclusionIn patients undergoing elective CABG, adding ivabradine to β‐blockers during the perioperative period was associated with reduced incidence of AF at 30‐day follow‐up, compared with either medication alone.
Clinical Impact of Heparin Kinetics During Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Meta‐Analysis and Meta‐Regression
Authors: BRICENO DAVID F. , VILLABLANCA PEDRO A. , LUPERCIO FLORENTINO , KARGOLI FARAJ , JAGANNATH ANAND , LONDONO ALEJANDRA , PATEL JIGNESH , OTUSANYA OLUFISAYO , BREVIK JEANNINE , MARABOTO CAROLA , BERARDI CECILIA , KRUMERMAN ANDREW , PALMA EUGEN , KIM SOO G. , NATALE ANDREA , DI BIASE LUIGI 
Published: March 2016

Anticoagulation for Ablation of Atrial FibrillationIntroductionAppropriate activated clotting time (ACT) during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (CA‐AF) is essential to minimize periprocedural complications.Methods and ResultsAn electronic search was performed using major databases. Outcomes were thromboembolic (TE) and bleeding complications according to ACT levels (seconds). Heparin dose (U/kg) and time (minutes) to achieve the target ACT was compared among patients receiving vitamin K antagonist (VKA) versus non‐VKA oral anticoagulants (NOAC). Nineteen studies involving 7,150 patients were identified. Patients with ACT > 300 had less TE (OR, 0.51; 95% CI 0.35–0.74) and bleeding (OR, 0.70; 95% CI 0.60–0.83) compared to ACT < 300, when using any type of oral anticoagulation. The use of VKA was associated with reduced heparin requirements (mean dose: 157 U/kg vs. 209 U/kg, P < 0.03; SDM –0.86 [95% CI –1.39 to –0.33]), and with lower time to achieve the target ACT (mean time: 24 minutes vs. 49 minutes, P < 0.03; SDM –11.02 [95% CI –13.29 to –8.75]) compared to NOACs. No significant publication bias was found.ConclusionsPerforming CA‐AF with a target ACT > 300 decreases the risk of TE without increasing the risk of bleeding. Patients receiving VKAs required less heparin and reached the target ACT faster compared to NOACs.
CD19‐CAR engineered NK‐92 cells are sufficient to overcome NK cell resistance in B‐cell malignancies
Authors: Romanski Annette , Uherek Christoph , Bug Gesine , Seifried Erhard , Klingemann Hans , Wels Winfried S. , Ottmann Oliver G. , Tonn Torsten 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMany B‐cell acute and chronic leukaemias tend to be resistant to killing by natural killer (NK) cells. The introduction of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) into T cells or NK cells could potentially overcome this resistance. Here, we extend our previous observations on the resistance of malignant lymphoblasts to NK‐92 cells, a continuously growing NK cell line, showing that anti‐CD19‐CAR (αCD19‐CAR) engineered NK‐92 cells can regain significant cytotoxicity against CD19 positive leukaemic cell lines and primary leukaemia cells that are resistant to cytolytic activity of parental NK‐92 cells. The ‘first generation’ CAR was generated from a scFv (CD19) antibody fragment, coupled to a flexible hinge region, the CD3ζ chain and a Myc‐tag and cloned into a retrovirus backbone. No difference in cytotoxic activity of NK‐92 and transduced αCD19‐CAR NK‐92 cells towards CD19 negative targets was found. However, αCD19‐CAR NK‐92 cells specifically and efficiently lysed CD19 expressing B‐precursor leukaemia cell lines as well as lymphoblasts from leukaemia patients. Since NK‐92 cells can be easily expanded to clinical grade numbers under current Good Manufactoring Practice (cGMP) conditions and its safety has been documented in several phase I clinical studies, treatment with CAR modified NK‐92 should be considered a treatment option for patients with lymphoid malignancies.
Chronic urticaria and hormones: Is there a link?
Authors: Amsler E. , Augey F. , Soria A. , Boccon‐Gibod I. , Doutre M.S. , Mathelier‐Fusade P. , Nicolas J.F. , Rayson‐Peyron N. , Gompel A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundWhile the role of oestrogens in bradykinin angioedema (AE) has been clearly demonstrated, scarce data are available about the role of sex hormones in chronic urticaria (CU).ObjectivesTo gather information from a population of women with various forms of CU [chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), including a subtype of isolated histaminic AE and a classic subtype of association of wheals and AE, and exclusive inducible urticaria (IU)] about the impact of sex hormones and reproductive factors on their symptoms.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study comprising interviews of 200 women consulting for CU at nine centres throughout France between May and July 2013. The dermatologists filled in an online questionnaire on the impact of reproductive factors (puberty, contraception and pregnancy) and hormonal treatments on the course of CU, including CSU and IU, in the presence of the women.ResultsMost of the women did not experience CU before puberty and if so, puberty did not influence the course of CU. Only 16 women had experienced a pregnancy during CU which caused a worsening of symptoms in four. Hormonal contraception was associated with aggravation in a minority of women, mostly women with CSU (10%). Women with isolated histaminic AE did not exhibit any female sex hormone dependency.ConclusionsIt would appear that sex hormones act as a trigger in only a small subset of women with CU. Nevertheless, this should be taken into account to improve patient management.
Metal allergy in eyelid dermatitis and the evaluation of metal contents in eye shadows
Authors: Oh J.E. , Lee H.J. , Choi Y.W. , Choi H.Y. , Byun J.Y. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis is a common diagnosis in eyelid dermatitis. Sensitization to metals is prevalent in eyelid dermatitis and colour cosmetic products are frequently suspected as the source of metal exposure.ObjectiveTo investigate the contact allergens for eyelid dermatitis and to assess metal contents in eye shadow products.MethodsData were collected in the department of dermatology of Ewha Womans University hospital from December 1998 to February 2014. A total of 983 patients were patch tested during the period and 67 patients had eyelid dermatitis among them. To examine metal elements in colour cosmetic products for eyes, randomly selected 10 eye shadows were analysed.ResultsFrequent allergens were metals, thiomersal and phenylenediamine in patients with eyelid dermatitis. The sensitization rates of individual allergens were not significantly different between patients with eyelid dermatitis and without eyelid dermatitis. All 10 eye shadow products contained more than 5 ppm of at least one element, nickel, cobalt or chromium.ConclusionMetals were top‐rank allergens in patients with eyelid dermatitis as in the remaining patients patch tested. The eye shadow products contained significant amount of nickel, cobalt or chromium to elicit allergic reactions.
Pirfenidone‐induced severe phototoxic reaction in a patient with idiopathic lung fibrosis
Authors: Papakonstantinou E. , Prasse A. , Schacht V. , Kapp A. , Raap U. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and lethal pulmonary disease with an estimated 5‐year survival of approximately 20%. Pirfenidone is a novel orally available antifibrotic agent that reduces disease progression and improves survival of patients with IPF. The most common adverse effects of pirfenidone include gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatic dysfunction or skin photosensitivity and rash. A 64‐year‐old male patient presented in our clinic with a strong generalized exfoliative erythema and intense itching accompanied by fatigue and mild fever after a mild sun exposure for 5 days during holidays in Turkey. The patient had been diagnosed with IPF 2 months ago and 1 month later he started a therapy with pirfenidone with good tolerability.ObjectiveIn this report, we noted a severe phototoxic reaction under treatment with pirfenidone which underlies the potential phototoxic effect of this drug besides the already reported photosensitivity.MethodsRoutine laboratory tests and a skin biopsy were performed.ResultsLaboratory tests indicated increased markers of inflammation. The skin biopsy showed a perivascular lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, ballooning of keratinocytes with increased apoptosis. These findings were most consistent with a severe phototoxic reaction to pirfenidone which had been directly discontinued. The patient was started on oral methylprednisolone 100 mg/day which was gradually tapered off along with topical corticosteroids (mometasone furoate 0.1% cream) and oral antihistamines. This treatment led to a slow but complete resolution of the skin lesions within 20 days.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a severe phototoxic reaction during treatment with pirfenidone. Our aim by presenting this case is to increase the awareness of clinicians for severe phototoxic effects of oral pirfenidone.