bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with community‐acquired, health‐care‐associated and hospital‐acquired empyema
Authors: Koma Yasuko , Inoue Sayaka , Oda Nao , Yokota Naoya , Tamai Koji , Matsumoto Yusuke , Okada Nobuhiko , Otsuka Akiko , Nakashima Nariyasu , Masuya Daiki , Matsuoka Hirofumi , Yoshimatsu Harukazu , Suzuki Yujiro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsPatients with pneumonia, a common cause of empyema, are stratified based on their risk factors, and the treatment of empyema might benefit from this risk stratification.MethodsThe etiology, bacteriologic profile and outcome of patients diagnosed with empyema in Shinko Hospital between May 2005 and October 2013 were retrospectively studied. The patients were stratified according to whether they had community‐acquired empyema (CAE), health‐care‐associated empyema (HCAE) or hospital‐acquired empyema (HAE).ResultsThe study included 81 patients, 25 CAE, 40 HCAE and 16 HAE. The comorbidity rate was highest among HAE patients (100%), followed by 95% of HCAE and 72% of CAE patients (P = 0.005). The rates of cancer and central nervous system (CNS) disease were higher in patients with HCAE and HAE than in patients with CAE (P = 0.030, P = 0.018, respectively). Pleural fluid cultures were positive in 58/81 patients. Streptococcus species were the most common organisms cultured from CAE (12/15) and HCAE patients (17/30), but not from HAE patients (3/13). Anaerobic organisms were cultured from 3 CAE, 5 HCAE and 3 HAE patients. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were only cultured from HCAE and HAE patients. The mortality rates were higher in HCAE (18%) and HAE (50%) than in CAE (4%) patients (log‐rank test: P = 0.0012).ConclusionsHalf of patients with empyema were HCAE patients, who had comorbidities, bacteriological profile and outcome different from CAE patients. The patient with HCAE should be differentiated from CAE patient, and the stratification of patients based on risk factors may be useful for treatment strategy.
Efficacy of three therapy approaches in preschool children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kruijsen‐Terpstra Anne J A , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Verschuren Olaf , Gorter Jan Willem , Vos Rimke C , Verheijden Johannes , Jongmans Marian J , Visser‐Meily Anne 
Published: November 2015

AimTo examine the efficacy of child‐focused, context‐focused, and regular care approaches, delivered in a rehabilitation setting by physical or occupational therapists to preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP), in optimizing the child's self‐care and mobility capabilities.MethodA multicentre randomized controlled trial clustered at therapist level was conducted in 13 rehabilitation centres. It included 68 children with CP (38 males, 30 females; mean age 3y, SD 6mo, range 1y 11mo–4y), classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to IV, who were already receiving therapy. Children received a child‐focused, context‐focused, or regular care approach during a 6‐month period. Self‐care and mobility capabilities were assessed with the Functional Skills Scale of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory.ResultsThe child‐focused, context‐focused, and regular care approaches all resulted in significant but similar improvements in self‐care (regular: reference; child‐focused: β=−0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.68 to 0.46; context‐focused: β=0.13, CI −0.38 to 0.64) and mobility (regular: reference; child‐focused: β=−0.09, CI=−0.93 to 0.75; and context‐focused: β=0.14, CI −0.65 to 0.94) capabilities.InterpretationThe results suggest that the three therapy approaches were equally efficacious for preschool children with CP. Depending on a child's individual situation each approach can be selected.
Efficacy and safety of live varicella zoster vaccine in diabetes: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Hata A. , Inoue F. , Hamamoto Y. , Yamasaki M. , Fujikawa J. , Kawahara H. , Kawasaki Y. , Honjo S. , Koshiyama H. , Moriishi E. , Mori Y. , Ohkubo T. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimsTo elucidate varicella zoster virus (VZV)‐specific cell‐mediated immunity and humoral immunogenicity against live attenuated Oka varicella zoster vaccine concurrently vaccinated with 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in elderly people with diabetes mellitus.MethodsThis double‐blind randomized controlled single‐centre study of 60–70‐year‐old people with diabetes compared immunity and safety profiles 3 months after one dose of varicella zoster vaccine or placebo. PPSV23 was immunized simultaneously. Primary analysis evaluated cell‐mediated immunity using the VZV skin test. Secondary analyses were a VZV interferon–γ enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay and immunoadherence haemagglutination test. Adverse experiences were recorded using diary questionnaires.ResultsBy intent‐to‐treat analysis, 27 participants with diabetes who had been administered the vaccine were compared with 27 participants who were given a placebo. Changes in skin test scores were 0.41 ± 0.80 and 0.11 ± 0.93 (P = 0.2155), and geometric mean fold rises of the ELISPOT counts were 1.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2, 7.9] and 1.2 (95% CI 0.2, 7.3) (P = 0.989) in the vaccine and placebo groups, respectively. The geometric mean titre did not increase 3 months after vaccination in either group. No vaccination‐related severe adverse experience was reported and no participant developed herpes zoster.DiscussionOur previous results demonstrated that varicella zoster vaccine safely enhanced VZV‐specific immunity in elderly people with or without diabetes. The results of this study showed that varicella zoster vaccine can be used safely, but it cannot boost virus‐specific immunity in elderly people with diabetes when administered with concurrent PPSV23. Alternative strategies are needed to prevent VZV‐associated diseases in this population.
Novel echocardiographic indicator for potential cardioembolic stroke
Authors: Kim Y. , Kim T. J. , Park J.‐B. , Lee S. , Kim Y.‐J. , Lee J. S. , Lee S.‐H. 
Published: November 2015

Background and purposeIn many cardioembolic strokes (CSs), the specific embolic source is uncertain. Despite the high mortality of CS, not enough attention is paid to its potential source. Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common source of embolism, more complex and dynamic multiplicities may influence CS. The aim of this study was to evaluate novel indicators of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) that have additional value for detecting CS.MethodsIn total, 1878 patients with acute ischaemic stroke who had TTE during admission were identified. Of the patients with undetermined etiology, 93 patients with incomplete evaluations were excluded. Thereafter, two stroke neurologists reviewed all of the magnetic resonance images to assess cardioembolic lesion patterns. The patients were classified into two groups: potential cardioembolic stroke (PCS) and non‐PCS.ResultsAmongst a total of 1601 patients, 518 (32.4%) had PCS. About half of the patients with PCS had AF. Patients with PCS were more likely to have larger left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic diameters, larger LV end‐systolic diameters, larger left atrial sizes, increased E/A ratios and reduced LV ejection fractions. After adjusting for multiple clinical and TTE variables including AF, an E/A ratio ≥1.5 had a significant predictive value for PCS (odds ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.57–5.31, P < 0.01).ConclusionAn E/A ratio ≥1.5 is independently associated with PCS after adjusting for multiple covariates including AF and provides incremental prognostic information for detecting PCS.
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors added to nonbiological immunosuppressants vs. nonbiological immunosuppressants alone: a different signal of cancer risk according to the condition. A disproportionality analysis in a nationwide pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Saliba Layla , Moulis Guillaume , Abou Taam Malak , Rousseau Vanessa , Chebane Leila , Petitpain Nadine , Baldin Bernadette , Pugnet Grégory , Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Bagheri Haleh 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe aimed at detecting a signal of an increased risk of cancer in patients treated with TNF inhibitor (TNFi) and nonbiological immunosuppressant (NBIS), compared with NBIS alone for autoimmune diseases. Secondly, we aimed at comparing this risk between the different TNFis. We conducted a disproportionality analysis (case/noncase study) from the French National PharmacoVigilance Database. We selected all the reports of serious adverse drug reactions from 2000 to 2010 in patients treated with NBIS for labeled indications of TNFi. Cases were all the reports of cancer that occurred after a minimal 3‐month exposure to NBIS. Noncases were all the other reports. We searched for exposure to TNFi and calculated reporting odds ratios (RORs), stratified by condition and type of cancer and adjusted by age, gender, history of cancer, type of NBIS and year of reporting. Of the 1918 reports included in the study population, 217 were cases (135 solid and 82 blood cancers). A safety signal was found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (ROR: 5.43, 95% CI[3.52–8.38]) particularly for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (20.17[2.49–163.36]), and in psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis (3.45[1.09–10.92]). No signal was found in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and ankylosing spondylitis, whatever the type of cancer. There was no difference between TNFis. This study puts the argument of an increased risk of cancer (particularly NMSC) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis exposed to TNFi and NBIS compared with NBIS alone, but not in IBD and ankylosing spondylitis patients. No signal was detected for melanoma potentially related to the lack of power. The signal seems similar whatever the TNFi.
A comparison of methods for predicting the fatigue life of gray cast iron at elevated temperatures
Authors: Lee Keum‐Oh , Lee Soon‐Bok 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHigh temperature fatigue life tests were compared with various life assessment methods for gray cast iron in the cylinder liners of marine engines. The plastic strain range‐based methods such as the universal slopes method, Mitchell's method, Bäumel and Seeger's method, and Ong's method were not predicted well. A method employing tensile energy density, which is defined as the sum of the tensile area of the plastic energy and the elastic energy in the hysteresis loop, was suggested as an improved alternative to the plastic strain range‐based methods. The life estimation equation using tensile energy density predicted well within the 3X scatter band at various temperature ranges of the gray cast iron.
Anti‐inflammatory role of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide in periodontitis
Authors: Suzuki Yuki , Nakamura Nobuhisa , Miyabe Megumi , Nishikawa Toru , Miyajima Shin‐ichi , Adachi Kei , Mizutani Makoto , Kikuchi Takeshi , Miyazawa Ken , Goto Shigemi , Tsukiyama Katsushi , Yamada Yuichiro , Ohno Norikazu , Noguchi Toshihide , Mitani Akio , Matsubara Tatsuaki , Naruse Keiko 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe involvement of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) on inflammation was explored in atherosclerosis and adipose tissue. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, and is considered one of the diabetic complications. In the present study, to examine the effect of GIP on periodontitis, we induced experimental periodontitis in glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor‐knockout mice (GIPRKO). We also investigated the anti‐inflammatory effect of GIP in a culture system.Materials and MethodsExperimental periodontitis was induced by ligature wire in GIPRKO and C57BL/C mice. Two weeks after the ligature, immunohistological evaluation and inflammatory messenger ribonucleic acid expression in the gingiva was examined. To elucidate the role of GIP in inflammation, the effects of GIP on lipopolysaccharide‐induced gene expressions in THP‐1 cells were evaluated.ResultsPeriodontitis increased inflammatory cell infiltration, macrophage accumulation and tumor necrosis factor‐α and nitric oxide synthase gene expressions in the gingiva. Periodontitis in GIPRKO showed a marked increase of inflammatory cells in the gingivomucosal tissue. Mac‐1‐positive macrophages and the inflammatory gene expressions were significantly increased in periodontitis in GIPRKO compared with C57BL/C mice periodontitis. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that GIP receptors were expressed in residual and infiltrated Mac‐1‐positive macrophages. The in vitro study showed that GIP suppressed lipopolysaccharide‐induced tumor necrosis factor‐α and nitric oxide synthase gene expression in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of GIP on lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory gene expressions was at least partially through cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A pathway.ConclusionsThese results suggest the beneficial effects of GIP on periodontal disease. In diabetic patients, GIP is expected to have a direct anti‐inflammatory effect on periodontitis in addition to its glucose‐lowering effect.
Activation of microglial Toll‐like receptor 3 promotes neuronal survival against cerebral ischemia
Authors: Jeong Si‐Yeon , Jeon Raok , Choi Yoon Kyung , Jung Joo Eun , Liang Anna , Xing Changhong , Wang Xiaoying , Lo Eng H. , Song Yun Seon 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEmerging experimental evidence suggests that activation of Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) by its agonist polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (poly‐ICLC) protects neurons against cerebral ischemia, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the brain, TLR3 is mostly expressed in glial cells. Therefore, we assess the hypothesis that TLR3 activation in microglia is required for neuroprotection against ischemia. After transient focal cerebral ischemia, microglia/macrophages (MMs) demonstrate a significant reduction in TLR3 and its downstream cytokine interleukin 6 (IL‐6). Subsequently, activation of TLR3 by poly‐ICLC restored TLR3 expression and decreased infarction. To further investigate these mechanisms, we turned to a primary cell culture system. Consistent with the in vivo findings, oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) significantly reduced TLR3 and IL‐6 mRNA expression in microglia, but poly‐ICLC significantly rescued TLR3 and IL‐6 expression. Importantly, conditioned media from OGD‐treated microglia increased neuronal death after OGD. In contrast, the conditioned media from microglia treated with poly‐ICLC after OGD significantly protected against OGD‐induced neuron death. Taken together, our findings provide proof‐of‐concept that activation of TLR3 in microglia may promote neuron survival after ischemia.
imageWe assessed the hypothesis that Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) activation in microglia is required for neuroprotection against ischemia. After transient focal cerebral ischemia, microglia/macrophage demonstrates a reduction in TLR3 and Interleukin 6 (IL‐6). Also, oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) reduces TLR3 and IL‐6 expression in microglia, but polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (poly‐ICLC) rescues TLR3 and IL‐6. Importantly, conditioned media from microglia treated with poly‐ICLC protects against OGD‐induced neuron death. We propose that activation of TLR3 in microglia may promote neuron survival after ischemia.
Myositis‐specific autoantibodies: an important tool to support diagnosis of myositis
Authors: Betteridge Z. , McHugh N. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are characterized by muscle weakness, skin disease and internal organ involvement. Autoimmunity is known to have a role in myositis pathogenesis, and myositis‐specific autoantibodies, targeting important intracellular proteins, are regarded as key biomarkers aiding in the diagnosis of patients. In recent years, a number of novel myositis autoantibodies including anti‐TIF1, anti‐NXP2, anti‐MDA5, anti‐SAE, anti‐HMGCRand anti‐cN1A have been identified in both adult and juvenile patients. These autoantibodies correlate with distinct clinical manifestations and importantly are found in inclusion body, statin‐induced, clinically amyopathic and juvenile groups of myositis patients, previously believed to be mainly autoantibody negative. In this review, we will describe the main myositis‐specific and myositis‐associated autoantibodies and their frequencies and clinical associations across different ages and ethnic groups. We will also discuss preliminary studies investigating correlations between specific myositis autoantibody titres and clinical markers of disease course, collectively demonstrating the utility of myositis autoantibodies as both diagnostic and prognostic markers of disease.
PI3K is required for both basal and LPA‐induced DNA synthesis in oral carcinoma cells
Authors: Aasrum Monica , Tjomsland Vegard , Thoresen G. Hege , De Angelis Paula M. , Christoffersen Thoralf , Brusevold Ingvild J. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundThe glycerophospholipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which is present in most tissues and in high concentrations in saliva, may exert profound effects on oral cancer cells. We have investigated mitogenic signalling induced by LPA in the two oral carcinoma cell lines, D2 and E10, focusing on the role of EGFR transactivation and downstream pathways.MethodsTwo oral squamous carcinoma cell lines, D2 and E10, were analysed for effects of LPA on signalling pathways and induction of DNA synthesis. Pathway activation was investigated by examining phosphorylation of signalling proteins and by the use of specific pathway inhibitors.ResultsThe D2 cells had higher levels of activated signalling proteins and higher DNA synthesis activity in the basal condition than E10 cells. EGF did not induce proliferation in D2 cells, whereas LPA induced proliferation in both cell lines, by mechanisms depending on EGFR transactivation. Release of EGFR ligands was involved in basal and LPA‐induced proliferation in both D2 and E10 cells. The proliferation in D2 cells was dependent on the PI3K/Akt pathway, but not the MEK/ERK pathway. In E10 cells, the PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK and p38 pathways were all involved in the proliferation.ConclusionTransactivation of EGFR is required for LPA‐induced DNA synthesis in D2 and E10 cells. Our results also show that although proliferation of oral carcinoma cells is regulated by several pathways, and differentially in E10 and D2 cells, the PI3K pathway has a crucial role in both cell lines.
The story of HCC in NAFLD: from epidemiology, across pathogenesis, to prevention and treatment
Authors: Margini Cristina , Dufour Jean F. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. An increasing number of reports describe HCC in the setting of obesity and diabetes, two major risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The increasing incidence of these conditions and the emerging evidence of HCC in non‐cirrhotic NAFLD prioritize a better understanding of NAFLD‐related HCC epidemiology and pathogenesis in order to target screening policies and develop preventive‐therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on the epidemiological impact of this condition, suggesting a possible link between HCC in cryptogenic cirrhosis and NAFLD. Furthermore, we analyse the suggested pathogenic mechanisms and the possible preventive‐therapeutic strategies.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: EVIDENCE FROM TWO UNITED NATIONS HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES
Authors: MELE VALENTINA , ANDERFUHREN‐BIGET SIMON , VARONE FRÉDÉRIC 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe independence of international civil servants (ICSs) from their country of origin is often presumed but rarely accounted for empirically. In order to address this gap, we investigate whether ICSs face conflicts between national and international interests and which conditions are more conducive to the manifestation of this conflict in international organizations. We adopt a mixed‐methods design, including a survey with 1,400 respondents working in two United Nations humanitarian organizations, followed by semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of respondents. The findings show that such conflicts matter for ICSs, hierarchical grade has stronger explanatory power than the other factors, and the higher the level in the international organization, the less frequently ICSs face conflict. The qualitative analysis explains these results by pointing to the effects of socialization among ICSs but also by shedding light on a related effect: dilution of national identity, as well as on the implications of locally recruiting lower‐level staff.
Some Non‐FDA Approved Uses for Neuromodulation: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Lee Samuel , Abd‐Elsayed Alaa 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionNeuromodulation, including spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve field stimulation, has been used with success in treating several painful conditions. The FDA approved the use of neuromodulation for a few indications. We review evidence for neuromodulation in treating some important painful conditions that are not currently FDA approved.MethodsThis review included an online web search for only clinical trials testing the efficacy of neuromodulation in treating coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), headache, and peripheral field stimulation.ResultsOur systematic literature search found 10, 6, and 3 controlled studies relating to coronary artery disease, PVD, and headache, respectively. Our review also included 5 noncontrolled studies relating to peripheral field stimulation, as no controlled studies had been completed.ConclusionThis review article shows compelling evidence based on clinical trials that neuromodulation can be of benefit for patients with serious painful conditions that are not currently approved by the FDA.
Wittgenstein and Objectivity in Ethics: A Reply toBrandhorst
Authors: De Mesel Benjamin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn “Correspondence toReality inEthics”,MarioBrandhorst examines the view of ethics thatWittgenstein took in his later years. According toBrandhorst,Wittgenstein leaves room for truth and falsity, facts, correspondence and reality in ethics.Wittgenstein's target, arguesBrandhorst, is objectivity. I argue (i) thatBrandhorst's arguments in favour of truth, facts, reality and correspondence in ethics invite similar arguments in favour of objectivity, (ii) thatBrandhorst does not recognise this because his conception of objectivity is distorted by aPlatonist picture and (iii) that he misinterprets the passage which he takes to support aWittgensteinian case against objectivity.