bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of platelets with endothelial progenitor cells in the experimental atherosclerosis: Role of transplanted endothelial progenitor cells and platelet microparticles
Authors: Alexandru Nicoleta , Andrei Eugen , Dragan Emanuel , Georgescu Adriana 
Published: March 2015

Background informationRecent studies suggest that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and platelets have an important role in repair following vascular injury. Although evidence suggest that platelets are essential in EPC attracting, homing and differentiation to the injury site; however, the platelet effects on EPC function in atherosclerosis have received less attention. In this context, we followed the consequences of circulating EPCs and platelet microparticles (PMPs) administration on platelet–EPC interaction in atherosclerosis and the involved mechanisms. The experiments were performed on Golden Syrian hamsters divided in five equal groups: control (C), hypertensive–hypercholesterolemic (HH), HH treated with EPCs (HH–EPCs) or PMPs (HH–PMPs) and HH treated with EPCs and PMPs (HH–EPCs–PMPs).ResultsCompared with C group, EPCs isolated from HH and HH–PMPs groups presented a reduction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factor expressions and an increase in thrombospondin‐1 expression and inflammatory molecule secretion: interleukin 8 (IL)‐8, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1). EPC administration had beneficial effects, the obtained results being similar with those from the C group, while the combination with PMPs did not improve the EPC influences. Static coincubation of EPCs from HH and HH–PMPs with analogous platelets resulted in an increased EPC adhesion/migration, and IL‐8, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted, MPO and PAI‐1 release, explained by the platelet hyperaggregability induced by pronounced distribution of vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein and filamentous actin, and the secretion of proinflammatory factors: IL‐1β, ‐6, ‐8, CD40 ligand. EPC therapy alone revealed an impaired platelet–EPC interaction directly correlated with the reduction of inflammatory markers and platelet aggregability. Moreover, in a dynamic flow system, EPCs and platelets from HH and HH–PMPs exhibited weakened interplay abilities, while EPC transplantation reinforces them.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that HH animals revealed functional impairment of EPCs and platelets, which correlate with their reduced contribution to re‐endothelialisation at the injury site, although in vitro exposure to immobilised platelets promotes their adhesion and migration. EPC administration alone recovers EPC/platelet functions and consolidates their interaction under dynamic flow conditions. These findings disclose new advances in understanding the platelet–EPC interaction and its role in the vascular repair.
Victimization and depression among youth with disabilities in the US child welfare system
Authors: Berg K. L. , Shiu C.‐S. , Msall M. E. , Acharya K. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to examine the prevalence of victimization among a United States‐wide cohort of youth with disabilities (YWD) investigated for maltreatment in the child welfare system (CWS) and their correlation with mental health.MethodsData were drawn from baseline interviews in the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well‐Being, a national representative survey of youth involved in the CWS. Interviews took place between 2008 and 2009 and included 675 youth, 11–17 years old and residing with biological families across 83 counties nationwide. The sample consisted of 405 females (60.1%) and 270 males (39.9%), mean age = 13.5 years. We identified YWD if they reported one or more physical or neurodevelopmental health condition (n = 247). Reported victimization experiences and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) scores were analysed using weighted regression analyses.ResultsOne‐quarter of YWD in the CWS reported three or more victimizations during the prior year compared with 19% of youth without disabilities. The odds of YWD reporting a one‐unit increase in level of victimization was 75% higher (P < 0.05) than youth without disabilities. Prevalence of clinical depression was significantly higher among YWD (14 vs. 5.5%; P < 0.05). Unlike youth without disabilities, the odds of clinical depression were 92% higher for every one‐unit increase in victimization among YWD, controlling for covariates (P < 0.05). Of CWS‐involved youth who reported three or more victimizations, 24.4% of YWD and 2.2% of non‐disabled youth had CDI scores in the clinical range.ConclusionYWDs in the US CWS are at high risk of experiencing victimization and clinical depression. Our findings suggest that health professionals need to screen CWS‐involved YWD for multiple forms of victimization, and develop and implement trauma‐informed services that target the mental health sequelae that may jeopardize their independence in adulthood.
CD14 expression is increased on monocytes in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and correlates with the expression of ANCA autoantigens
Authors: Tarzi R M , Liu J , Schneiter S , Hill N R , Page T H , Cook H T , Pusey C D , Woollard K J 
Published: March 2015

SummaryMonocyte subsets with differing functional properties have been defined by their expression of CD14 and CD16. We investigated these subsets in anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and determined their surface expression of ANCA autoantigens. Flow cytometry was performed on blood from 14 patients with active AAV, 46 patients with AAV in remission and 21 controls. The proportion of classical (CD14highCD16neg/low), intermediate (CD14highCD16high) and non-classical (CD14lowCD16high) monocytes and surface expression levels of CD14 and CD16 were determined, as well as surface expression of proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) on monocyte subsets. There was no change in the proportion of monocytes in each subset in patients with AAV compared with healthy controls. The expression of CD14 on monocytes from patients with active AAV was increased, compared with patients in remission and healthy controls (P &lt; 0·01). Patients with PR3-ANCA disease in remission also had increased monocyte expression of CD14 compared with controls (P &lt; 0·01); however, levels in patients with MPO-ANCA disease in remission were lower than active MPO-ANCA patients, and not significantly different from controls. There was a correlation between CD14 and both PR3 and MPO expression on classical monocytes in AAV patients (r = 0·79, P &lt; 0·0001 and r = 0·42, P &lt; 0·005, respectively). In conclusion, there was an increase in monocyte CD14 expression in active AAV and PR3-ANCA disease in remission. The correlation of CD14 expression with ANCA autoantigen expression in AAV may reflect cell activation, and warrants further investigation into the potential for increased CD14 expression to trigger disease induction or relapse.
Anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment increases circulating T helper type 17 cells similarly in different types of inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Hull D N , Williams R O , Pathan E , Alzabin S , Abraham S , Taylor P C 
Published: March 2015

Summary
We investigated changes in circulating T helper type 17 (Th17) cells following anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 25 RA, 15 AS and eight PsA patients at baseline 4 and 12 weeks after treatment, and Th17 cell frequencies were analysed using interleukin (IL)-17 enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) and flow cytometry. A significant increase in IL-17-producing cells was observed by ELISPOT in RA and AS patients at 12 weeks. Flow cytometry confirmed significant increases in CD4+IL-17+ cells at 12 weeks in RA and AS and 4 weeks in PsA patients. Anti-TNF treatment increases circulating Th17 cells in three different diseases.
Origin of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 mutations can help inform long‐term care strategies for patients with colorectal and endometrial cancer
Authors: Hickmott J. W. 
Published: March 2015

Colon and Endometrial Cancers with Mismatch Repair Deficiency can arise from somatic, rather than germline, mutationsHaraldsdottir et al. (2014)Gastroenterology 147:1308–1316
Pneumomediastinum as a complication of critical pertussis
Authors: Monaco Francesco , Barone Mario , Manfredi Valeria G. , Marando Rosario , Nunnari Flavia , David Antonio , Monaco Maurizio , Cascio Antonio 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsPertussis is a common and potentially serious disease affecting mainly infants and young children. In its non‐classic presentation, pertussis can be clinically indistinguishable from other respiratory illnesses. Pertussis today often remains underdiagnosed in adults. Our aims was to report a complicated cases of pertussis.ResultsA case of serologically confirmed pertussis occurred in an 18‐year‐old man presenting with pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema in the neck and chest, and persistent attacks of coughing with apnea that required treatment in the intensive care unit.ConclusionPneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema have never been described in adult patients with pertussis. Physicians should be aware that patients presenting with persistent cough and pneumomediastinum may have pertussis and include this in their differential diagnosis.
DCTN4 as a modifier of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Viel Marion , Hubert Dominique , Burgel Pierre‐Regis , Génin Emmanuelle , Honoré Isabelle , Martinez Brigitte , Gaitch Natacha , Chapron Jeanne , Kanaan Reem , Dusser Daniel , Girodon Emmanuelle , Bienvenu Thierry 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsPseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is associated with worse long‐term pulmonary disease and shorter survival, and chronic Pa infection (CPA) is associated with reduced lung function, faster rate of lung decline, increased rates of exacerbations and shorter survival. By using exome sequencing and extreme phenotype design, it was recently shown that isoforms of dynactin 4 (DCTN4) may influence Pa infection in CF, leading to worse respiratory disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of DCTN4 missense variants on Pa infection incidence, age at first Pa infection and chronic Pa infection incidence in a cohort of adult CF patients from a single centre.MethodsPolymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing were used to screen DNA samples for DCTN4 variants.ResultsA total of 121 adult CF patients from the Cochin Hospital CF centre have been included, all of them carrying two CFTR defects: 103 developed at least 1 pulmonary infection with Pa, and 68 patients of them had CPA. DCTN4 variants were identified in 24% (29/121) CF patients with Pa infection and in only 17% (3/18) CF patients with no Pa infection. Of the patients with CPA, 29% (20/68) had DCTN4 missense variants vs 23% (8/35) in patients without CPA. Interestingly, p.Tyr263Cys tend to be more frequently observed in CF patients with CPA than in patients without CPA (4/68 vs 0/35), and DCTN4 missense variants tend to be more frequent in male CF patients with CPA bearing two class II mutations than in male CF patients without CPA bearing two class II mutations (P = 0.06).ConclusionsOur observations reinforce that DCTN4 missense variants, especially p.Tyr263Cys, may be involved in the pathogenesis of CPA in male CF.
Efficacy and tolerability of saxagliptin compared with glimepiride in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled study (GENERATION)
Authors: Schernthaner G. , Durán‐Garcia S. , Hanefeld M. , Langslet G. , Niskanen L. , Östgren C. J. , Malvolti E. , Hardy E. 
Published: March 2015

AimsTo assess the efficacy and safety of adjunctive saxagliptin vs glimepiride in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and inadequate glycaemic control.MethodsIn this multinational, randomized, double‐blind, phase IIIb/IV study (GENERATION; NCT01006603), patients aged ≥65 years were randomized (1 : 1) to receive saxagliptin 5 mg/day or glimepiride ≤6 mg/day, added to metformin, during a 52‐week treatment period. The primary endpoint was achievement of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <7.0% at week 52 without confirmed/severe hypoglycaemia. The key secondary endpoint was incidence of confirmed/severe hypoglycaemia. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.ResultsOf 720 patients randomized (360 in each treatment group; mean age 72.6 years; mean T2D duration 7.6 years), 574 (79.8%) completed the study (saxagliptin 80.3%; glimepiride 79.2%). Similar proportions of patients achieved the primary endpoint with saxagliptin and glimepiride (37.9 vs 38.2%; odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.73, 1.34; p = 0.9415); however, a significant treatment‐by‐age interaction effect was detected (p = 0.0389): saxagliptin was numerically (but not significantly) superior to glimepiride for patients aged <75 years (39.2 vs 33.3%) and numerically inferior for patients aged ≥75 years (35.9 vs 45.5%). The incidence of confirmed/severe hypoglycaemia was lower with saxagliptin vs glimepiride (1.1 vs 15.3%; nominal p < 0.0001). Saxagliptin was generally well tolerated, with similar incidences of adverse events compared with glimepiride.ConclusionAs avoiding hypoglycaemia is a key clinical objective in elderly patients, saxagliptin is a suitable alternative to glimepiride in patients with T2D aged ≥65 years.
Deferasirox chelation therapy in patients with transfusion‐dependent MDS: a ‘real‐world’ report from two regional Italian registries: Gruppo Romano Mielodisplasie and Registro Basilicata
Authors: Maurillo Luca , Breccia Massimo , Buccisano Francesco , Voso Maria Teresa , Niscola Pasquale , Trapè Giulio , Tatarelli Caterina , D'Addosio Ada , Latagliata Roberto , Fenu Susanna , Piccioni Anna Lina , Fragasso Alberto , Aloe Spiriti Maria A. , Refrigeri Marco , Criscuolo Marianna , Musto Pellegrino , Venditti Adriano 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDeferasirox (DFX) is an orally administered iron chelator approved for use in patients with transfusion‐dependent iron overload due to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The safety and efficacy of DFX has been explored in clinical trial settings, but there is little data on unselected patients with MDS. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety, compliance, efficacy and effect on haematopoiesis of DFX in a large ‘real‐world’ MDS population. One hundred and eighteen patients with transfusion‐dependent MDS were treated with DFX across 11 centres in Italy. Serum ferritin levels, haematological response, dosing, adverse events and transfusion dependence were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following initiation of treatment. DFX reduced mean serum ferritin levels from 1790 to 1140 ng/mL (P < 0.001), with 7.1% of patients achieving transfusion independence. Significant haematological improvement was seen in erythroid (17.6%), platelet (5.9%) and neutrophil counts (7.1%). Adverse events were reported in 47.5% of patients, including gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Regression analysis showed that higher starting doses of DFX are associated with transfusion independence at 24 months. DFX is a safe, effective treatment for transfusion‐dependent MDS that can lead to transfusion independence and haematological improvement in a subset of patients.
The First Member State Rebellion? The European Court of Justice and the Negotiations of the ‘Luxembourg Protocol’ of 1971
Authors: Fritz Vera 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article delves into the history of the negotiations of the ‘Luxembourg protocol’ of 1971, which conferred jurisdiction upon the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for the interpretation of the 1968 Brussels convention. The protocol provided a preliminary ruling procedure that had undergone restrictive modifications in comparison with the European Economic Community (EEC) treaty's original (Article 177). Some have, therefore, interpreted the outcome of the negotiations as a sign that the mechanism was being criticised in national administrations. This article will, for the first time, bring to the surface archival evidence to explain why the protocol contained an altered version of Article 177 EEC. Furthermore, it will reveal that the governments' experts' intention to limit the procedure in the protocol caused serious concern inside the ECJ, of which some members consequently repeatedly urged national decision‐makers to opt for formulas identical with Article 177 EEC.
A promising surgical approach to equine glaucoma
Authors: Lassaline M. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe preceding case report by Wilsonet al. (2015) describes the surgical placement of aBaerveldt glaucoma shunt in a glaucomatous equine eye that had been refractory to aggressive medical and repeated surgical therapies yet maintained functional vision. Shunt placement surgery successfully maintained vision and intraocular pressure in the normal range in the affected eye. This is the first report of long‐term successful glaucoma filtration surgery in a horse. Glaucoma shunt placement shows promise for maintaining vision and comfort in equine eyes affected with glaucoma. There is much to be learned in terms of the most appropriate implant type for the equine eye, the risk of complications such as ocular hypotony or tube fibrosis, and the utility of combination therapy with transcleral cyclophotocoagulation and implant placement, but with the report of one case in which gonioimplant placement has been associated with intraocular pressure control for over one year, further investigations appear warranted. This case provides a glimmer of hope for long‐term treatment of a painful, blinding disease that has traditionally carried a poor prognosis in horses.
Surrogate assisted‐hybrid differential evolution algorithm using diversity control
Authors: S. Miruna Joe Amali , S. Baskar 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEvolutionary algorithms (EAs) being a major optimization framework, typically require a considerable number of function evaluations to locate an optimal solution for computationally intensive real‐world optimization problems. In order to solve complex multimodal problems within a limited computational budget, surrogate models are integrated with EA. The overall performance of such algorithms not only depends on the construction and integration procedure of the model, but also on the efficiency of the underlying EA in overcoming premature convergence. This can be achieved through diversity control and parameter adaptation methodology in EAs. In this paper, an improved algorithm, namely Diversity Controlled Parameter adapted Differential Evolution with Local Search (DCPaDE‐LS) is integrated into two dynamic surrogate models and two variants, namely Surrogate Assisted Parameter adapted Differential Evolution with Artificial Neural Networks and Response Surface Methodology (SAPDE‐ANN and SAPDE‐RSM) are proposed. They reduce the exact function evaluations for complex, multimodal problems. The performance of the proposed variants are compared on a set of 26 bound‐constrained benchmark functions scalable with 10 and 30 dimensions, with respect to average number of function evaluations (NFE), success rate (SR) and % reduction in NFE in 30 independent trials. The SAPDE variants are compared with Self‐adaptive Differential Evolution, DCPaDE‐LS, Increasing Population Size Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy and Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimization. The SAPDE variants are able to reduce the NFE without loss in SR for all the functions. The algorithms are also validated using 12 solvable functions from CEC 2005. Of the two variants, SAPDE‐ANN reports reduced NFE in more functions compared with SAPDE‐RSM. Results reveal that the proposed SAPDE algorithm can be applied to real‐world optimization problems.
The Knowledge–Innovation Nexus. Its Spatially Differentiated Returns to Innovation
Authors: Capello Roberta , Lenzi Camilla 
Published: March 2015

AbstractInnovative activities have been long considered as a predominant urban phenomenon suggesting that the innovative capacity of a region highly depends on its urbanization level. This paper tests empirically this statement by studying the impact of knowledge on innovation in 262 regions of theEuropeanUnion, ranked according to their degree of urbanization. Based on an original database encompassing several knowledge and innovation indicators, and a regional typology and ranking of city regions, the paper shows that when the source of innovation is formal knowledge (i.e.,R&D), the benefits accruing from innovation are spatially rather selective and concentrated in first‐rank city regions. On the contrary, when the source of innovation is qualified human capital, the innovation advantages are more diffused and penetrate also in second‐ and third‐rank city regions. Moreover, innovative activities aimed at introducing new products require a more balanced mix ofR&Dand human capital inputs whereas innovative activities aimed at introducing new processes tend to be relatively more human capital intensive.
Consumer vulnerability: are older people more vulnerable as consumers than others?
Authors: Berg Lisbet 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe aging population is an important consumer policy concern. And one relevant question to ask is: are there reasons to worry about consumer vulnerability among older people? The aim of the project was twofold: First, to gain insight into what makes people vulnerable as consumers, more precisely to reveal significant vulnerability drivers. Second, if possible, to distinguish particularly vulnerable consumer groups and their needs for targeted consumer policy measures. The project builds on a qualitative pilot study among older people, followed by a large nationally representative survey among people living in Norway, between 18 and 95 years old. Based on the analysis of 2100 telephone interviews, this paper rejects our a priori assumption, that older people constitutes a vulnerable consumer group. Although older people have several reduced capabilities that could act as vulnerability drivers, older people appeared to be less likely than other age groups to make unfortunate decisions in the markets. Older people also show a much more environmentally friendly consumption pattern than younger generations. The main individual vulnerability drivers appeared to be; poor economic awareness and lack of time. The results also indicate that people who lack calculating skills, as well as people living in households with scarce financial resources, are more likely than others to make economically unfortunate consumer choices.