bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ferulic acid alleviates symptoms of preeclampsia in rats by upregulating vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Gong Weiyan , Wan Jipeng , Yuan Qing , Man Quanzhan , Zhang Xiaojing 
Published: June 2017

SummaryPreeclampsia is a complication affecting pregnant women worldwide, which leads to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of ferulic acid (FA) on an Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L‐NAME) induced rat model of preeclampsia. L‐NAME was administered to pregnant rats to induce preeclampsia. 48 rats were divided into three experimental groups (n=16 each): control group, preeclampsia group and preeclampsia with FA treatment (preeclampsia+FA). Physiological characteristics such as urine volume, total urine protein and blood pressure were assessed. Expressions levels of urinary nephrin and podocin mRNAs were analyzed by RT‐PCR. Levels of renal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), renal soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and serum placenta growth factor (PlGF) were also examined. Urine volume, total urine protein and blood pressure were markedly increased in preeclampsia group rats compared to control (P<.05), which were then significantly reduced in preeclampsia+FA group (P<.05). Expressions of urinary nephrin and podocin mRNAs, levels of VEGF, sFlt‐1 and PlGF were also reversed in preeclampsia+FA group compared to preeclampsia rats (P<.05). We hereby report for the first time, FA alleviates preeclampsia symptoms in a rat preeclampsia model, supporting its potential value in treating preeclampsia.
The Effect of Incentive Framing and Descriptive Norms on Internal Whistleblowing
Authors: Chen Clara Xiaoling , Nichol Jennifer E. , Zhou Flora H. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFirms are under increasing pressure to implement effective internal whistleblowing systems. While firms can provide incentives to encourage internal whistleblowing, it remains controversial how such incentives should be structured. We examine whether the effectiveness of incentives encouraging internal whistleblowing is a joint function of the framing of such incentives (reward or penalty) and the strength of descriptive norms supporting internal whistleblowing. We predict and find in a lab experiment that penalties lead to a greater increase in internal whistleblowing (compared to rewards) when descriptive norms supporting whistleblowing are stronger. Our study contributes to the previous accounting literature on dishonesty and the role of management control systems design in promoting honesty and ethical norms in organizations. We also contribute to an emerging accounting literature on the links between controls, norms, and individual behavior by distinguishing between descriptive norms and injunctive norms and by highlighting the interplay between these two types of norms. Our results have important implications for organizations considering adopting incentives to encourage internal whistleblowing.
Uterine natural killer cells in patients with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Kuon Ruben‐J. , Weber Maja , Heger Julia , Santillán Isabel , Vomstein Kilian , Bär Christin , Strowitzki Thomas , Markert Udo R. , Toth Bettina 
Published: June 2017

ProblemUterine natural killer (uNK) cells are major players during implantation and early pregnancy. The aim of our study was to analyze uNK cell concentration in the endometrium of idiopathic recurrent miscarriage (iRM) patients and fertile controls.Method of studyOut of n=130 couples with ≥3 consecutive, clinical RM screened according to a standardized diagnostic protocol, n=58 patients with iRM were identified. Endometrial biopsies were investigated in patients and n=17 fertile women (controls) via immunohistochemistry.ResultsCompared to controls, the concentration of uNK cells was significantly higher in iRM patients (257±212 vs. 148±73 uNK cells/mm², P=.04). IRM patients showed a higher prevalence of >300 uNK cells/mm² than controls (34.5% vs. 5.9%, P=.02). In 88% of controls and 62% of iRM patients, uNK cells were detected within the range of 40‐300/mm².ConclusionIdiopathic recurrent miscarriage patients showed higher uNK cell levels than controls supporting the possible impact of uNK cells in the pathophysiology of miscarriage. Our cutoff levels might help to select RM patients which may benefit from immunomodulatory treatment.
Understanding Indigenous patient attendance: A qualitative study
Authors: Copeland Stephen , Muir Josephine , Turner Angus 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo better understand Indigenous patient non‐attendance at medical specialty appointments by learning from the patients attending their scheduled outreach ophthalmology clinic appointment.Design, setting and participantsA qualitative study using face‐to‐face, semi‐structured interviews with 69 Indigenous Australian ophthalmology patients and 8 clinic workers at one urban and one rural Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) over the period from April 2015 to November 2015.Main outcome measuresExplored motivations and enablers for attending patients to guide best practice for specialist outreach clinics.ResultsThe main themes emerging from the interviews included: clinic staff are persistent in their efforts to organise outreach ophthalmology clinics; both motivated and reluctant patients attend medical appointments; and reluctant patients are more likely to be unaware of their referral pathway. Health literacy and clinic staff triggered the reluctant patient to attend.ConclusionIndigenous patients attend their outreach ophthalmology appointments based on various motivations. Clinic staff who recognise reluctant patients can communicate through a sensitive, patient‐centred approach that helps the patient realise the importance of the appointment thus creating motivation and promoting attendance. The efforts of the clinic staff, through their patient reminding, transport provision and patient‐centred communication suggest that they are the enablers of Indigenous patient attendance at AMS outreach ophthalmology clinics.
Adipokines played a limited role in predicting temporary growth differences between very low birthweight infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Lehtinen A , Korhonen P , Hyödynmaa E , Koivisto AM , Peltola T , Hämäläinen M , Moilanen E , Tammela O 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimsThis study explored whether growth was poorer among very low birthweight (VLBW) infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and assessed adipokine levels as predictors of early growth.MethodsWe studied 53 VLBW infants born in Tampere University Hospital up to 12 months of corrected age (CA). The median gestational age of the 21 infants with BPD and 32 infants without BPD was 29 weeks, and the median birthweights were 930 (635–1470) and 1185 (650–1470) grams. Growth parameters, macronutrients intake and plasma levels of adipokines were measured.ResultsBronchopulmonary dysplasia infants were lighter than controls until 36 weeks of CA, with catch‐up growth achieved by three months of CA. Adipsin levels were lower in BPD infants at 28 days of postnatal age. High leptin levels seemed protective for low weight for height at nine months of CA. The duration of ventilator therapy predicted low weight for height, length for age and body mass index and BPD predicted low length for age at 12 months of CA.ConclusionsCatch‐up growth in VLBW infants with BPD was achieved by three months of CA, but adipokines played a limited role in predicting growth. Shortening ventilator therapy could help growth in VLBW infants.
First environmental sample containing plasmid‐mediated colistin‐resistant ESBL‐producing Escherichia coli detected in Norway
Authors: Jørgensen Silje Bakken , Søraas Arne , Arnesen Lotte Stenfors , Leegaard Truls , Sundsfjord Arnfinn , Jenum Pål A. 
Published: June 2017

We hereby report the detection of the plasmid borne mcr‐1 gene conferring colistin resistance in an extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli ST10 strain retrieved from seawater at a public beach in Norway. The sample was collected in September 2010 and was investigated by whole‐genome sequencing in 2016. This report illustrates that E. coli strains carrying plasmid‐mediated colistin resistance genes have also reached areas where this drug is hardly used at all. Surveillance of colistin resistance in environmental, veterinary, and human strains is warranted also in countries where colistin resistance is rare in clinical settings.
Case of ileal herniation through the foramen of Winslow diagnosed preoperatively by CT and treated with laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Ichikawa Yoshitoshi , Kanazawa Akifumi , Dan Nobuhiro , Ishikawa Satoshi , Hagi Takaomi , Mizojiri Gaku , Tsubakimoto Mituo , Oka Hiroshi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA previously healthy 35‐year‐old man visited the emergency room complaining of epigastric pain and vomiting. The pain was sudden in onset. His blood tests were within normal limits except for a mild neutrophilia of 14 300/μL. Enhanced abdominal CT scan showed the small intestine dilated into the space between the portal vein and inferior vena cava from the foramen of Winslow. Under the diagnosis of herniation through the foramen of Winslow (HFW), we performed emergency laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy revealed an internal herniation of the dilated small intestine through the foramen of Winslow. Because the herniated small intestine was viable, intestinal resection was unnecessary. We released the incarceration under laparoscopy. HFW is very rare and often overlooked, but abdominal CT examination enabled a precise preoperative diagnosis because of characteristic findings. We should consider the possibility of HFW in patients with internal herniation of unknown origin. Laparoscopic surgery for HFW is effective.
Vascular Calcification, Vitamin K and Warfarin Therapy – Possible or Plausible Connection?
Authors: Siltari Aino , Vapaatalo Heikki 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a pathological process underpinning many cardiovascular diseases; it is the main cause of global mortality. Atherosclerosis is characterized by an invasion of inflammatory cells, accumulation of lipids and the formation of fatty streaks (plaques) which subsequently allow accumulation of calcium and other minerals leading to a disturbance in the vascular endothelium and its regulatory role in arterial function. Vascular calcification is a different process, stringently regulated mainly by local factors, in which osteoblast‐like cells accumulate in the muscular layer of arteries ultimately taking on the physiological appearance of bone. The elevated stiffness of the arteries leads to severe vascular complications in brain, heart and kidneys. Recently, evidence from animal experiments as well as clinical and epidemiological results suggests that long‐term treatment with warfarin, but not with the novel direct anticoagulants, can increase the risk or even induce vascular calcification in some individuals. Gamma‐carboxylation is an enzymatic process not only needed for activation of vitamin K but also other proteins which participate in bone formation and vascular calcification. Thus, reduced expression of the vitamin K‐dependent proteins which physiologically inhibit calcification of cellular matrix could be postulated to lead to vascular calcification. Published clinical data, describing at present a few thousand patients, need to be supplemented with controlled studies to confirm this interesting hypothesis.
The Pharmacokinetics of Enalapril in Relation to CES1 Genotype in Healthy Danish Volunteers
Authors: Stage Claus , Jürgens Gesche , Guski Louise Schow , Thomsen Ragnar , Bjerre Ditte , Ferrero‐Miliani Laura , Lyauk Yassine Kamal , Rasmussen Henrik Berg , Dalhoff Kim ,   The INDICES Consortium (for members of this consortium‐see Supplementum)
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the influence of variations in the carboxylesterase 1 gene (CES1) on the pharmacokinetics of enalapril. Forty‐three healthy, Danish, Caucasian volunteers representing different pre‐defined genotypes each received 10 mg of enalapril. At specified time‐points, plasma concentrations of enalapril and the active metabolite enalaprilat were measured. The volunteers were divided into six different groups according to their genetic profile of CES1: group 1 (control group, n = 16) with two CES1 copies without non‐synonymous SNPs in the exons; group 2 (n = 5) with four copies of CES1; group 3 (n = 6) harbouring the G143E polymorphism; group 4 (n = 2) with three CES1 copies and increased transcriptional activity of the duplication (CES1A2); group 5 (n = 4) harbouring the CES1A1c variant; and group 6 (n = 10) with three CES1 copies and the common promoter with low transcriptional activity of the duplication. The median AUC of enalaprilat in the control group was not significantly different from any of the other five groups (297 ng/ml x h in the control group versus 310, 282, 294, 344 and 306 ng/ml x h in groups 2–6, respectively). The terminal half‐life of enalaprilat was significantly longer in group 6 compared with the control group (26.7 hr versus 12.7 hr, respectively). However, this was not considered clinically relevant. In conclusion, none of the selected variations of CES1 had a clinically relevant impact on the metabolism of enalapril.
The mechanism of coupling between oxido‐reduction and proton translocation in respiratory chain enzymes
Authors: Papa Sergio , Capitanio Giuseppe , Papa Francesco 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe respiratory chain of mitochondria and bacteria is made up of a set of membrane‐associated enzyme complexes which catalyse sequential, stepwise transfer of reducing equivalents from substrates to oxygen and convert redox energy into a transmembrane protonmotive force (PMF) by proton translocation from a negative (N) to a positive (P) aqueous phase separated by the coupling membrane. There are three basic mechanisms by which a membrane‐associated redox enzyme can generate a PMF. These are membrane anisotropic arrangement of the primary redox catalysis with: (i) vectorial electron transfer by redox metal centres from the P to the N side of the membrane; (ii) hydrogen transfer by movement of quinones across the membrane, from a reduction site at the N side to an oxidation site at the P side; (iii) a different type of mechanism based on co‐operative allosteric linkage between electron transfer at the metal redox centres and transmembrane electrogenic proton translocation by apoproteins.The results of advanced experimental and theoretical analyses and in particular X‐ray crystallography show that these three mechanisms contribute differently to the protonmotive activity of cytochrome c oxidase, ubiquinone‐cytochrome c oxidoreductase and NADH‐ubiquinone oxidoreductase of the respiratory chain.This review considers the main features, recent experimental advances and still unresolved problems in the molecular/atomic mechanism of coupling between the transfer of reducing equivalents and proton translocation in these three protonmotive redox complexes.
Growth or stagnation? Farming in England, 1200–1800
Authors: Clark Gregory 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEstimates of English income in Broadberry et al.’s British economic growth, 1270–1870 are founded upon a fourfold growth of farm output, and output per farm worker, over this interval. This article shows, using four separate tests, that farm output growth must have been much more limited. The tests are, first, whether in 1300 there was enough work at harvest to employ all the labour force; second, whether the value of output per worker in agriculture was greater than the annual earnings of workers; third, whether the implied relative outputs per acre of arable versus pasture were reasonable; and fourth, whether a much shorter medieval work year was possible. An alternative index of farm output consistent with the labour supply, wages, and farm rents is derived. This shows much less growth during the period 1270–1800. Overall economic growth in England during these years must consequently have been far less than Broadberry et al. estimate.
Road transport productivity in the sixteenth‐century Low Countries: the case of Brabant, 1450–1650†
Authors: Ballaux Bart , Blondé Bruno 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThough there is a consensus that transport plays a central role in economic development, for the period before the eighteenth century there is a lack of strategic information for assessing the importance of road transport productivity changes in economic development. Transport prices in particular are crucial missing pieces of the puzzle. Sources rarely reveal information that meets the standards of reliable price history. However, it is possible to create a reliable transport price series on the basis of the transport of millstones to ducal mills in Brabant. Assessing the impact of the ‘transport productivity changes’ that can be inferred from this transport price series is a hazardous exercise. Moreover, as Masschaele has observed, land transport prices closely match general agricultural price trends. Land transport was essentially an agricultural service, determined both by cost (especially horse provender) and income effects. Transport price inflation was not demand‐led. However, while transport did not impede urbanization and economic growth, conversely, in sixteenth‐century Brabant—a highly urbanized region that experienced considerable growth in the volume of land transport—no significant land transport productivity gains were achieved.
DAMP molecular IL‐33 augments monocytic inflammatory storm in hepatitis B‐precipitated acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Du Xing X. , Shi Yu , Yang Ying , Yu Ye , Lou Hua G. , Lv Fang F. , Chen Zhi , Yang Qiao 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsPatients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) usually exhibit defective monocyte function and excessive systemic inflammatory response. Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) acts as a danger‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) to modulate immune response. However, the role of IL‐33 in regulating monocyte function during hepatitis B‐precipitated ACLF (HB‐ACLF) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has not been clear.MethodsIn this study, the levels of IL‐33/ST2 in blood and liver samples collected from patients with HB‐ACLF, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and normal controls and the associated of those findings with disease severity were analysed. HLA‐DR and CD80 expression, phagocytosis capacity, cytokine secretion and MAP kinase activation induced by LPS were detected to explore the role of IL‐33/ST2 signal in regulating monocyte function in patients.ResultsThe expression levels of IL‐33/ST2 were significantly increased in peripheral blood and livers of patients with HB‐ACLF, as compared with patients with CHB and controls. It was found that serum IL‐33 level was associated with severity of liver disease. Treatment with IL‐33 on monocytes significantly increased HLA‐DR, CCR2 and CD80 expression, enhanced LPS‐stimulated TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β secretion, but did not affect the phagocytic capacity. Furthermore, IL‐33 signalling enhanced the ERK1/2 activation of monocytes in response to LPS.ConclusionsDAMP molecular IL‐33 augmented the ‘storm’ of monocytic inflammation in response to LPS through ERK1/2 activation during HB‐ACLF.
A major responder to ipilimumab and nivolumab in metastatic uveal melanoma with concomitant autoimmunity
Authors: Chan Pui Ying , Hall Peter , Hay Gordon , Cohen Victoria M. L. , Szlosarek Peter W. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe use of immune checkpoint inhibition has led to major improvements in outcome for patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma. The combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab has demonstrated greater activity over single‐agent immunotherapy in phase III trials. Clinical trials of combination CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 inhibition are underway in uveal melanoma, for which there are currently no data. Here, we present the case of a 74‐year‐old male patient with metastatic uveal melanoma, who was treated with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. He developed sequential autoimmune transaminitis, diabetes and uveitis, which necessitated discontinuation of maintenance nivolumab 3 months after commencement of treatment. The patient continues to demonstrate an ongoing partial response 10 months from the initial combination immunotherapy, with the evidence of depigmentation of the primary ocular tumour.
Restoration of cutaneous pigmentation by transplantation to mice of isogeneic human melanocytes in dermal–epidermal engineered skin substitutes
Authors: Boyce Steven T. , Lloyd Christopher M. , Kleiner Mark C. , Swope Viki B. , Abdel‐Malek Zalfa , Supp Dorothy M. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAutologous engineered skin substitutes (ESS) containing melanocytes (hM) may restore pigmentation and photoprotection after grafting to full‐thickness skin wounds. In this study, normal hM were isolated from discard skin, propagated with or without tyrosinase inhibitors, cryopreserved, recovered into culture, and added to ESS (ESS‐P) before transplantation. ESS‐P were incubated in either UCMC160/161 or UCDM1 medium, scored for hM densities, and grafted to mice. The results showed that sufficient hM can be propagated to expand donor tissue by 100‐fold; incubation of hM in tyrosinase inhibitors reduced pigment levels but did not change hM recovery after cryopreservation; hM densities in ESS‐P were greater after incubation in UCDM1 than UCMC160 medium; hM were localized to the dermal–epidermal junction of ESS‐P; and UCDM1 medium promoted earlier pigment distribution and density. These results indicate that hM can be incorporated into ESS‐P efficiently to restore cutaneous pigmentation and UV photoprotection after full‐thickness skin loss conditions.
Adjunct fixation with a Kirschner wire or a plate for lateral unicondylar humeral fracture stabilization
Authors: Coggeshall Jason D. , Lewis Daniel D. , Iorgulescu Alex , Kim Stanley E. , Palm Lindsey S. , Pozzi Antonio 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the biomechanical properties of using an interfragmentary 1.6 mm Kirschner wire or a 2.7 mm reconstruction plate as adjunctive epicondylar stabilization in simulated comminuted lateral unicondylar humeral fractures stabilized with a transcondylar 4.5 mm cortical screw.Study designCadaveric biomechanical assessment.Sample PopulationPaired humeri harvested from 9 young, skeletally mature dogs.MethodsSimulated comminuted lateral unicondylar humeral fractures were stabilized with a transcondylar 4.5 mm cortical screw placed in lag fashion. Adjunct fixations consisting of a 1.6 mm Kirschner wire on one side, and a 2.7 mm reconstruction plate on the contralateral side, were tested within paired humeri. Repaired humeri were axially loaded to failure and construct stiffness, yield load, and load to failure were obtained from the load‐deformation curves.ResultsStiffness (mean ± SD: 577 ± 245 vs 310 ± 71 N/mm; P = .01), yield load (mean ± SD: 2389 ± 572 vs 1017 N ± 292; P = .0002), and load at failure (mean ± SD: 3351 ± 358 vs 1693 ± 363 N; P = .009) were greater in constructs incorporating a reconstruction plate rather than a Kirschner wire.ConclusionOur results support the recommendation for adjunct fixation of comminuted lateral unicondylar humeral fractures with an epicondylar plate.