bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phaeohyphomycosis fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients: clinical presentation, pathology, and treatment
Authors: Schieffelin J.S. , Garcia‐Diaz J.B. , Loss G.E. , Beckman E.N. , Keller R.A. , Staffeld‐Coit C. , Garces J.C. , Pankey G.A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundDematiaceous, or dark‐pigmented, fungi are known to cause infections such as phaeohyphomycosis, chromoblastomycosis, and mycetoma. These fungi are becoming increasingly important opportunistic pathogens in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). We present a retrospective chart review of 27 SOTR who developed phaeohyphomycosis infections post transplant from 1988 to 2009.MethodsCases were reviewed for fungal species isolated, date and source of culture, immunosuppressive and fungal therapy used, and outcome. The majority of isolates obtained were from the skin and soft tissue, with 3 pulmonary and brain abscesses.ResultsThe time from transplantation to onset of infection ranged from 2 months to 11 years. The species isolated were Exophiala (11), Ochroconis (3), Alternaria (2), Phoma (2), Wangiella (1), Cladosporium (1), Aureobasidium (1), Chaetomium (1), Coniothyrium (1), and non‐sporulating fungi (2). An additional 4 patients had infections confirmed by pathology, but no cultures were done. Most of the affected skin lesions were surgically debrided and treated with itraconazole; 2 patients were treated with voriconazole and 2 with amphotericin D. Death from fungal disease occurred only in patients with pulmonary and brain abscesses.ConclusionsAs the number of SOTR increases, so does the incidence of fungal infections in that population. Surgery, along with antifungal therapy and a reduction in immunosuppression, are the cornerstones of treatment.
Successful withdrawal of antiviral treatment in kidney transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis B viral infection
Authors: Cho J.‐H. , Lim J.‐H. , Park G.‐Y. , Kim J.‐S. , Kang Y.‐J. , Kwon O. , Choi J.‐Y. , Park S.‐H. , Kim Y.‐L. , Kim H.‐K. , Huh S. , Kim C.‐D. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal duration of antiviral therapy for kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unclear. We reported the long‐term outcomes after withdrawal of antiviral agent in KTR with chronic HBV infection.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive KTR with antiviral agents between January 2002 and January 2012. Antiviral treatments were withdrawn in patients who met all of the following 7 criteria: (i) no clinical and histologic evidence of cirrhosis, (ii) normal liver biochemistry, (iii) negative for both HBV DNA and hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg), (iv) no resistance to antiviral agent, (v) antiviral therapy > 9 months, (vi) maintenance dosage of immunosuppressant for > 3 months, and (vii) no history of acute rejection during recent 6 months. All patients were followed regularly at approximately 3–6 months for liver enzyme, viral markers, and HBV DNA level after antiviral withdrawal.ResultsAmong a total of 445 KTR, 14 HBsAg‐positive patients were included in this study. Antiviral agents were used, with lamivudine in 11 patients, and with adefovir, entecavir, and telbivudine in 3 patients, respectively. Discontinuation of antiviral agent was attempted in 6 (42.9%) of 14 patients who satisfied the criteria. The median duration of antiviral therapy before withdrawal was 14.3 months (range, 9–24 months). Four (66.7%) of 6 patients were successfully withdrawn and remained negative for HBV DNA for a median 60.5 months (range, 47–82 months). The baseline HBV DNA level was not related to maintenance of remission after withdrawal. Two reactivated patients resumed antiviral treatment immediately, with subsequent normalization of HBV DNA. During the follow‐up, 1 patient developed hepatocellular carcinoma; however, no patient death or graft failure was reported for all HBsAg‐positive KTR.ConclusionsAntiviral therapy can be discontinued successfully and safely in selected KTR with chronic HBV infection, after complete suppression of HBV and sufficient duration of antiviral therapy.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: Patient and programme impact of fixed‐dose combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Ramjan Rubeena , Calmy Alexandra , Vitoria Marco , Mills Edward J. , Hill Andrew , Cooke Graham , Ford Nathan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the advantages to patients and to programmes between fixed‐dose combination (FDC) antiretroviral therapy and separate tablet regimens.MethodsThree electronic databases and two conference abstract sites were searched from inception to 01 March 2013 without geographical, language or date limits. Studies were included if they reported data on clinical outcomes, patient‐reported outcomes and programme‐related outcomes that could be related to pill burden for adult and adolescent patients on ART. For the primary outcomes of adherence and virological suppression, relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and these were pooled using random effects meta‐analysis.ResultsTwenty‐one studies including information on 27 230 subjects were reviewed. Data from randomised trials showed better adherence among patients receiving FDCs than among patients who did not (relative risk 1.10, 95%CI 0.98–1.22); these findings were consistent with data from observational cohorts (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07–1.28). There was also a tendency towards greater virological suppression among patients receiving FDCs in randomised trials (RR 1.04, 95%CI 0.99–1.10) and observational cohort studies (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.97–1.18). In all studies reporting patient preference, FDCs were preferred. The overall quality of the evidence was rated as low.ConclusionsFixed‐dose combinations appear to offer multiple advantages for programmes and patients, particularly with respect to treatment adherence.
Deregulation of epidermal stem cell niche contributes to pathogenesis of nonhealing venous ulcers
Authors: Stojadinovic Olivera , Pastar Irena , Nusbaum Aron G. , Vukelic Sasa , Krzyzanowska Agata , Tomic‐Canic Marjana 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe epidermis is maintained by epidermal stem cells (ESCs) that reside in distinct niches and contribute to homeostasis and wound closure. Keratinocytes at the nonhealing edges of venous ulcers (VUs) are healing‐incompetent, hyperproliferative, and nonmigratory, suggesting deregulation of ESCs. To date, genes which regulate ESC niches have been studied in mice only. Utilizing microarray analysis of VU nonhealing edges, we identified changes in expression of genes harboring regulation of ESCs and their fate. In a prospective clinical study of 10 VUs, we confirmed suppression of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) as well as inhibitors of DNA‐binding proteins 2 and 4 (ID2 and ID4). We also found decreased levels of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), nuclear presence of β‐catenin, and overexpression of its transcriptional target, c‐myc, indicating activation of the Wnt pathway. Additionally, we found down‐regulation of leucine‐rich repeats and immunoglobulin‐like domains protein 1 (LRIG1), a gene important for maintaining ESCs in a quiescent state, and absence of keratin 15 (K15), a marker of the basal stem cell compartment suggesting local depletion of ESCs. Our study shows that loss of genes important for regulation of ESCs and their fate along with activation of β‐catenin and c‐myc in the VU may contribute to ESC deprivation and a hyperproliferative, nonmigratory healing incapable wound edge.
Knocking out Smad3 favors allogeneic mouse fetal skin development in adult wounds
Authors: Liu Ke , Gao Zhen , Wu Xiaoli , Zhou Guangdong , Zhang Wen Jie , Yang Xiao , Liu Wei 
Published: March 2014

AbstractFetal skin development represents a process of the interaction between skin progenitor cells and their unique extracellular matrix niche, which is also important for the mechanism study of skin progenitor cell differentiation and fetal scarless wound healing. Thus, a change in the niche environment, such as altered expression levels of growth factors or cytokines, may also change the outcome of fetal skin development. This study tested the hypothesis that deletion of mouse Smad3 creates a favorable environment for fetal skin development in adult wounds. Fetal skin of green fluorescent protein mouse (C57BL/B6) of gestational day 16.5 was respectively transplanted to the wound beds of wild‐type (WT), heterozygous (HT), and homologous (KO) Smad3 deletion mice (C57BL/B6 × 129SV). The results showed that green fluorescent protein fetal mouse skin after its transplantation developed much better into hair follicle containing skin in KO or HT wound beds than in WT wound beds with significant differences in the number of follicles per mm2 among the three groups at 1, 2, and 3 weeks posttransplantation (p < 0.05). In addition, less fibrosis was observed in KO wounds than in HT and WT wounds with significant difference in the wound bed thickness among the three groups at 3 weeks posttransplantation (p < 0.05). Interestingly, there was a delayed graft rejection in the KO group when compared with the HT and WT groups. In conclusion, deletion of Smad3 in a wound bed creates a better environment for skin progenitor cell differentiation and fetal skin development. Translation of such a concept to the creation of a wound environment that is favorable for adult stem cell differentiation and skin appendage formation may become an important strategy for the regeneration of wounded skin.
A randomized, controlled trial of negative pressure wound therapy of pressure ulcers via a novel polyurethane foam
Authors: Wagstaff Marcus James Dermot , Driver Sara , Coghlan Patrick , Greenwood John Edward 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe objectives of the study were (1) to look for any local, clinically apparent response, within and around a debrided wound, to a novel biocompatible polyurethane foam during repeated, short‐term implantation, and (2) to assess the material's efficacy as a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) interface compared with a widely used, commercially available foam. Twenty pressure ulcers in 18 patients underwent surgical debridement, then randomization to receive novel treatment or control foam as the wound interface for NPWT. Dressing changes every 2–3 days allowed qualitative wound assessment and quantitative measurement to compare outcomes. No adverse reaction was observed in any patient receiving the new foam. The new “novel foam” performed as a NPWT interface as effectively as the control “standard foam.” In deep wounds, the new foam was easier to remove, fragmented less, and showed less retention than the control foam. No marginal in‐growth occurred, making removal less traumatic and reducing bleeding from cavity wall granulations. The results support previous large animal studies, and independent ISO10993 testing, that the new foam is safe and biocompatible. Its efficacy as an NPWT interface, nontraumatic removal with low fragmentation and retention rate, favors the new material, especially in deep cavity wounds.
A statistical analysis of murine incisional and excisional acute wound models
Authors: Ansell David M. , Campbell Laura , Thomason Helen A. , Brass Andrew , Hardman Matthew J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMice represent the most commonly used species for preclinical in vivo research. While incisional and excisional acute murine wound models are both frequently employed, there is little agreement on which model is optimum. Moreover, current lack of standardization of wounding procedure, analysis time point(s), method of assessment, and the use of individual wounds vs. individual animals as replicates makes it difficult to compare across studies. Here we have profiled secondary intention healing of incisional and excisional wounds within the same animal, assessing multiple parameters to determine the optimal methodology for future studies. We report that histology provides the least variable assessment of healing. Furthermore, histology alone (not planimetry) is able to detect accelerated healing in a castrated mouse model. Perhaps most importantly, we find virtually no correlation between wounds within the same animal, suggesting that use of wound (not animal) biological replicates is perfectly acceptable. Overall, these findings should guide and refine future studies, increasing the likelihood of detecting novel phenotypes while reducing the numbers of animals required for experimentation.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐coated sutures enhance collagen depositions in sutured tissues
Authors: Casado Javier G. , Blazquez Rebeca , Jorge Inmaculada , Alvarez Veronica , Gomez‐Mauricio Guadalupe , Ortega‐Muñoz Mariano , Vazquez Jesus , Sanchez‐Margallo Francisco M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSutures are commonly used for surgical procedures and new sutures are being developed to improve wound healing. In the past decade, it has been extensively shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a wound healing potential. To benefit the overall wound healing process, we aimed to analyze the usage of pretreated sutures for improving the implantation of MSCs in the tissues. Our results firstly showed that suture pretreatments with gelatin, poly‐L‐lysine, and NaOH improved the adhesive strength of MSCs to sutures. These cells remained surrounding the sutured tissue and no significant phenotypic changes were found in those cells cultured onto pretreated sutures. In vivo experiments showed that the implantation of MSCs by suturing increases the collagen content in the sutured tissue. Moreover, proteomics analysis of secreted proteins showed that collagen alpha‐1(I) chain was the most abundant collagen found. To our knowledge, this is the first report that aimed to improve the implantation of MSCs in tissue by suture pretreatments. Moreover, in vivo experiments suggest that MSC‐coated sutures may enhance wound healing and tissue remodeling through the release of different collagen types being applicable for those patients that tend to have difficulty healing.
Complement dependent early immunological responses during ex vivo xenoperfusion of hCD46/HLA‐E double transgenic pig forelimbs with human blood
Authors: Bongoni Anjan K. , Kiermeir David , Jenni Hansjörg , Bähr Andrea , Ayares David , Klymiuk Nikolai , Wolf Eckhard , Voegelin Esther , Constantinescu Mihai A. , Seebach Jörg D. , Rieben Robert 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundBesides α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene (GGTA1) knockout, several transgene combinations to prevent pig‐to‐human xenograft rejection are currently being investigated. In this study, the potential of combined overexpression of human CD46 and HLA‐E to prevent complement‐ and NK‐cell‐mediated xenograft rejection was tested in an ex vivo pig‐to‐human xenoperfusion model.Methodsα1,3‐Galactosyltransferase knockout heterozygous, hCD46/HLA‐E double transgenic (transgenic) as well as wild‐type pig forelimbs were ex vivo perfused with whole, heparinized human and autologous pig blood, respectively. Blood samples were analyzed for the production of porcine and/or human inflammatory cytokines as well as complement activation products. Biopsy samples were examined for deposition of human and porcine C3b/c, C4b/c, and C6 as well as CD62E (E‐selectin) and CD106 (VCAM‐1) expression. Apoptosis was measured in the porcine muscle tissue using TUNEL assays. Finally, the formation of thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complexes was measured in EDTA plasma samples.ResultsNo hyperacute rejection was seen in this model. Extremity perfusions lasted for up to 12 h without increase in vascular resistance and were terminated due to continuous small blood losses. Plasma levels of porcine cytokines IL1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and MCP‐1 as well as human complement activation markers C3a (P = 0.0002), C5a (P = 0.004), and soluble C5b‐9 (P = 0.03) were lower in blood perfused through transgenic as compared to wild‐type limbs. Human C3b/c, C4b/c, and C6 as well as CD62E and CD106 were deposited in tissue of wild‐type limbs, but significantly lower levels (P < 0.0001) of C3b/c, C4b/c, and C6 deposition as well as CD62E and CD106 expression were detected in transgenic limbs perfused with human blood. Transgenic porcine tissue was protected from xenoperfusion‐induced apoptosis (P < 0.0001). Finally, TAT levels were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in transgenic limb as compared to wild‐type limb xenoperfusions.ConclusionTransgenic hCD46/HLA‐E expression clearly reduced humoral xenoresponses since all, the terminal pathway of complement activation, endothelial cell activation, muscle cell apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine production, as well as coagulation activation, were all downregulated. Overall, this model represents a useful tool to study early immunological responses during pig‐to‐human vascularized xenotransplantation in the absence of hyperacute rejection.
Geographic Information System‐Based Analysis of the Spatial and Spatio‐Temporal Distribution of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Golestan Province, North‐East of Iran
Authors: Mollalo A. , Alimohammadi A. , Shirzadi M. R. , Malek M. R. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryZoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), a vector‐borne disease, poses serious psychological as well as social and economic burden to many rural areas of Iran. The main objectives of this study were to analyse yearly spatial distribution and the possible spatial and spatio‐temporal clusters of the disease to better understand spatio‐temporal epidemiological aspects of ZCL in rural areas of an endemic province, located in north‐east of Iran. Cross‐sectional survey was performed on 2983 recorded cases during the period of 2010–2012 at village level throughout the study area. Global clustering methods including the average nearest‐neighbour distance, Moran's I, general G indices and Ripley's K‐function were applied to investigate the annual spatial distribution of the existing point patterns. Presence of spatial and spatio‐temporal clusters was investigated using the spatial and space–time scan statistics. For each year, semivariogram analysis and all global clustering methods indicated meaningful persistent spatial autocorrelation and highly clustered distribution of ZCL, respectively. Eight significant spatial clusters, mainly located in north and northeast of the province, and one space–time cluster, observed in northern part of the province and during the period of September 2010–November 2010, were detected. Comparison of the location of ZCL clusters with environmental conditions of the study area showed that 97.8% of cases in clusters were located at low altitudes below 725 m above sea level with predominantly arid and semi‐arid climates and poor socio‐economic conditions. The identified clusters highlight high‐risk areas requiring special plans and resources for more close monitoring and control of the disease.
Inundicola Bravo, Isler, and Brumfield 2013 is a junior synonym of Akletos Dunajewski 1948 (Aves: Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae)
Authors: ISLER MORTON L. , BRAVO GUSTAVO A. , BRUMFIELD ROBB T. 
Published: March 2014

In examining the history of generic names given to species in the polytypic genus Myrmeciza (Isler et al. 2013), we did not uncover the genus Akletos. This name had been applied by Dunajewski (1948) to a new species, Akletos peruvianus, represented by a single specimen collected by Fiedler on 16 March 1934 at what is now Cumaría, Ucayali, Peru, and deposited in the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (MIZ 34107). The species was said to be similar to Attila Lesson, which at the time was placed in the family Cotingidae. The holotype was later identified as Myrmeciza melanoceps by Stresemann (Mayr 1956) as reported by Mlíkovský (2009) who also confirmed the identification. To provide further confirmation and documentation, Dominika Mierzwa of the Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences provided digital photographs of the type, clearly a female, an example of which is included herein. Thus, the generic name Inundicola Bravo, Isler, and Brumfield 2013 is a junior synonym of Akletos Dunajewski 1948. The generic descriptions provided in Isler et al. 2013 are amended as follows.
Review of the Olethreutes bowmanana-magadana species group, with the description of a new species from the Amur River, Russia (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)
Authors: DUBATOLOV VLADIMIR V. , BOGUNOVA ANNA A. , NEDOSHIVINA SVETLANA V. 
Published: March 2014

We define and review the Olethreutes bowmanana-magadana species group comprised of Olethreutes bowmanana (McDunnough), O. magadana (Falkovitsh), O. kamtshadala (Falkovitsh), and O. pivanica, sp. n., the last from petrophytous sunny slopes in the Amur River. The new species differs from other species of the group by a narrow, triangular-shaped apical process from the sacculus; a round, wide, apical bulb from the cucullus; and a longer, narrow neck of the valva.
Understanding psycho-social processes underpinning engagement with services in motor neurone disease: A qualitative study
Authors: Foley Geraldine , Timonen Virpi , Hardiman Orla 
Published: March 2014

Background: People with motor neurone disease access healthcare services from disease onset to end-of-life care, but there has been paucity of research on how people with motor neurone disease understand and use healthcare services. Aim: To identify key psycho-social processes that underpin how people with motor neurone disease engage with healthcare services. Design: Grounded theory approach comprising in-depth qualitative interviews was used in this study. Data were collected and analysed using open, axial and selective coding procedures. Setting/participants: A total of 34 people with motor neurone disease were recruited from the Irish motor neurone disease population-based register. Results: We identified that control, reassurance, resignation and trust are key variables that shape how people with motor neurone disease engage with healthcare services. Participants exerted control in care to cope with loss. Most participants were resigned to death and sought reassurances from healthcare professionals about end-of-life care. Participants questioned the benefit of life-sustaining interventions in motor neurone disease and few of them associated life-sustaining interventions with palliative care. Participants trusted healthcare professionals who reassured them about their care and who were attuned to how they were coming to terms with loss. Conclusion: This study identified new and important aspects of control, trust and reassurance which shed light on how people with motor neurone disease engage with healthcare professionals and approach end-of-life care. People with motor neurone disease exert control in care and meaningful relationships with healthcare professionals are important to them. Some people with motor neurone disease prefer to die without life-sustaining interventions.