bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo CD3+CD25+ Lymphocyte Subpopulation Is Down‐regulated Without Increased Serum‐Soluble Interleukin‐2 Receptor (sIL‐2R) by Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH‐a)
Authors: Ho Hong‐Nerng , Wu Ming‐Yih , Chen Hsin‐Fu , Chao Kuang‐Han , Yang Yu‐Shih , Huang Su‐Cheng , Lee Tzu‐Yao , Gill Thomas J. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: To test further whether the suppression of the CD3+CD25+ lymphocyte sub‐population by gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRH‐a) is related to the change in levels of cytokines and soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R).METHOD: Twenty‐seven infertile patients were enrolled under the long protocol of GnRH‐a agonist (buserelin acetate) and superovulation with gonadotropin from our IVF‐ET program. Peripheral B cells, NK cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the expression of CD69, CD25, HLA‐DR, and CD71 antigens on the T cells were serially examined by dual‐color flow cytometry. Serum levels of cytokines and sIL‐2R were measured.RESULTS: The B cells, NK cells, T cells, CD4+, CD8+ T cells, CD3+DR+, and CD3+CD71+ lymphocyte subpopulations were not changed after the use of GnRH‐a. The CD25+ T cell subpopulation was significantly down‐regulated, but the CD69+ T cell subpopulation was increased when the GnRH‐a was used for approximately 2 wk. The serum levels of interleukin‐lp (IL‐1β), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and sIL‐2R were not changed.CONCLUSION: The GnRH‐a had a transiently suppressive effect on CD25+ T cells, but a stimulatory effect on CD69+ T cells. However, the serum level of cytokines or sIL‐2R did not change. These immunological modulations seems to be the result of interaction between GnRH‐a and estrogen.
Variation in Antisperm Antibody Results Using Different Assays
Authors: Peters Albert J. , Ivanovic Milica , Jeyendran Rajasingam S. 
Published: May 2013

PROBLEM: The detection of various types of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the serum varies among different assays. This variation may influence the diagnosis and management of infertile couples who are tested for such immunologic factors. This prospective study was conducted to determine the variation in the results of ASA as measured by the sperm immobilization (SI), sperm agglutination (SA), and the indirect immunobead (IB) assays.METHOD: The sera of 79 patients that tested positive for ASA by at least one of the assays listed above were concurrently tested with all three assays.RESULTS: Using an individual ASA assay, 66 (84%), 26 (33%) or 36 (46%) of sera tested positive by the SA, SI, or IB assays, respectively. However, using a combination of assays, 67 (85%), 78 (99%) or 40 (51%) of sera tested positive using either the SA+SI, SA+IB or SI+IB assays, respectively.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the utilization of different assays to detect ASA may detect sera that are positive for ASA with more reliability than single assay testing.
Testosterone replacement therapy can increase circulating endothelial progenitor cell number in men with late onset hypogonadism
Authors: Liao C.‐H. , Wu Y.‐N. , Lin F.‐Y. , Tsai W.‐K. , Liu S.‐P. , Chiang H.‐S. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryCirculating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow‐derived cells required for endothelial repair. A low EPC number can be considered as an independent predictor of endothelial dysfunction and future cardiovascular events. Recent evidence shows that patients with hypogonadal symptoms without other confounding risk factors have a low number of circulating progenitor cells (PCs) and EPCs, thus highlighting the role of testosterone in the proliferation and differentiation of EPCs. Here, we investigate if testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can increase circulating EPC number in men with late onset hypogonadism. Forty‐six men (age range, 40–73 years; mean age, 58.3 years) with hypogonadal symptoms were recruited, and 29 men with serum total testosterone (TT) levels less than 350 ng/dL received TRT using transdermal testosterone gel (Androgel; 1% testosterone at 5 g/day) for 12 months. Circulating EPC numbers (per 100 000 monocytes) were calculated using flow cytometry. There was no significant association between serum TT levels and the number of circulating EPCs before TRT. Compared with the number of mean circulating EPCs at baseline (9.5 ± 6.2), the number was significantly higher after 3 months (16.6 ± 11.1, p = 0.027), 6 months (20.3 ± 15.3, p = 0.006) and 12 months (27.2 ± 15.5, p = 0.017) of TRT. Thus, we conclude that serum TT levels before TRT are not significantly associated with the number of circulating EPCs in men with late onset hypogonadism. However, TRT can increase the number of circulating EPCs, which implies the benefit of TRT on endothelial function in hypogonadal men.
Adapted Physical Activity Programme and Self‐Perception in Obese Adolescents with Intellectual Disability: Between Morphological Awareness and Positive Illusory Bias
Authors: Salaun Laureline , Reynes Eric , Berthouze‐Aranda Sophie E. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundIn adolescent with intellectual disability, the management of obesity is a crucial issue, yet also quite complex because of their particular perception of themselves. This study investigated the relationship between self‐perception variables and morphological variables and their changes after a 9‐month Adapted Physical Activity (APA) programme.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐three adolescents with intellectual disability responded to an adapted questionnaire, including thePSI‐VSF‐IDand a nine‐drawing body silhouette scale. Anthropometric and body composition indicators were measured before and after theAPAprogramme.ResultsThe main predictor of the adolescents' self‐perceptions was the inclination towards positive illusory bias before the intervention; obesity awareness ranked second. Morphological measurements did not contribute in the same way to self‐perceptions in the initial and final data.ConclusionsThis study confirms the interest of weight management programmes for adolescents with intellectual disability and points to the need to take positive illusory bias more fully into account in the study of self‐perception.
Three ileus cases associated with the use of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in diabetic patients
Authors: Kanasaki Keizo , Konishi Kazunori , Hayashi Ranji , Shiroeda Hisakazu , Nomura Tomoe , Nakagawa Atsushi , Nagai Takako , Takeda‐Watanabe Ai , Ito Hiroki , Tsuda Shin‐ichi , Kitada Munehiro , Fujii Mizue , Kanasaki Megumi , Nishizawa Makoto , Nakano Yasuharu , Tomita Yasuto , Ueda Nobuhiko , Kosaka Takeo , Koya Daisuke 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetic drugs that increase incretin hormone levels to enhance blood sugar level‐dependent insulinotropic effects, suppress glucagon action, and reduce bowel motility. These incretin effects are ideal for blood sugar control. However, the safety profile of DPP‐4 inhibitors is not yet established. Herein, we present three cases of ileus, considered to be closely related to the use of DPP‐4 inhibitors, in diabetic patients. Each of the three patients exhibited some risk of a deficiency in bowel movement; the onset of ileus was within 40 days after strengthened inhibition of DPP‐4. The use of a DPP‐4 inhibitor could be safe, although the cases presented herein enable us to inform the scientific community to some of the potential adverse effects of the use of DPP‐4 inhibitors in select populations.
Treatment of severe autoimmune blistering skin diseases with combination of protein A immunoadsorption and rituximab: a protocol without initial high dose or pulse steroid medication
Authors: Kolesnik M. , Becker E. , Reinhold D. , Ambach A. , Heim M.U. , Gollnick H. , Bonnekoh B. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundSkin blistering diseases due to autoantibodies are typically treated with high dose systemic corticosteroids and other conventional immunosuppressants. However, in severe cases, this treatment may not be sufficient to achieve disease control or contraindicated because of comorbidity.MethodsWe describe 15 patients (pts.) with such diseases: 6 pts. with pemphigus vulgaris, 3 pts. with bullous pemphigoid, 3 pts. with mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), one being anti‐laminin‐332‐MMP (AL332‐MMP), 2 pts. with pemphigus foliaceus and 1 pt. with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). Patients were treated with a combination of protein A immunoadsorption (PAIA, 3–21 treatments) and rituximab (3–6 treatments) in addition to low dose conventional immunosuppression.ResultsAll patients showed rapid clinical improvement starting within the first 4 weeks and decline of circulating autoantibody levels. Complete/partial remission was 88%/12% in pemphigus and 71%/29% in subepidermal blistering diseases. Overall relapse rate was 13% with an average follow‐up of 22 months. In the AL332‐MMP pt. the PAIA/rituximab treatment was stopped because of an oesophagus cancer considered as the paraneoplastic cause of the skin disease.ConclusionCombined treatment with PAIA and rituximab showed rapid and long‐lasting response, thereby allowing substantial reduction of dosage of concomitant immunosuppressive medication. We hereby confirm data from other investigators that PAIA/rituximab treatment is a promising therapeutical modality for pemphigus, pemphigoids and EBA, characterized by a favourable ratio of beneficial efficacy and minimized long‐term adverse effects.
Reasons for recall following conditional discharge: explanations given by male patients suffering from dual diagnosis in a London Forensic Unit
Authors: Chiringa J. , Robinson J. E. , Clancy C. 
Published: May 2013

Accessible summary
Patients who have been discharged from forensic services often have conditions they have to abide by as part of their discharge, and failure to do so leads to recall. We interviewed six men who had been conditionally discharged from forensic services and then been recalled into hospital to find out what they thought went wrong.
The reasons they gave for why things went wrong included feeling that the system was unfair and made them feel like criminals even though they did not feel they had put anyone at risk. Some of them were not fully aware of the conditions they needed to adhere to, and some of them had breached the conditions but did not take responsibility for what had happened.
In addition, supervision was felt to be very controlling and disruptive rather than supportive when patients were often lonely, bored and needing support. Most participants reported that they experienced poor standards of aftercare in hostels they were required to reside in.
In the future, care of patients after conditional discharge should include better communication between patients and their supervisory team, recognition of the need for more support and improvements in the standards of care in hostels, as well as a collaborative approach to risk assessment that might reduce the frequency of relapse and readmission.
AbstractThis study explores how male patients suffering from dual diagnosis in a forensic unit perceive being recalled and readmitted following conditional discharge and their views about how services might be improved. A qualitative approach was used drawing on grounded theory techniques. Audiotaped semistructured interviews collected data from a purposefully selected sample of six participants who had been recalled and met the inclusion criteria of the study. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. Most participants perceived the recall system as unfair, inappropriately criminalized their behaviour and was based on an assessment of risk that they did not understand or accept. Participants were not fully aware of the conditions of their discharge, and most did not accept responsibility for their role in being recalled and blamed the system. Care following discharge was rarely seen as positive, and poor standards in hostels were reported by most participants. Supervision was often seen as disruptive and controlling, and focused more on surveillance rather than support. Better communication might have helped them understand and adhere to the conditions of their discharge. Participants identified the importance of family and friends to their recovery, the importance of having their own accommodation, and the need to be more independent.
A systematic review of parent role modeling of healthy eating and physical activity for their young African American children
Authors: Webber Kashica J. , Loescher Lois J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeWe systematically reviewed current literature on parent role modeling of healthy eating and physical activity as a strategy to influence healthy weight of middle school‐age African American children.ConclusionsThe evidence for parent role modeling is low to average. Most studies did not target African American participants or middle school‐age children.Practice ImplicationsNurses can begin to remedy deficient knowledge of parent role modeling by assessing parent attitudes, beliefs, and healthy behaviors, as well as the children's. Existing dietary and physical activity guidelines are not specific to African Americans but can be a starting point for educating parents.
Flotillins functionally organize the bacterial membrane
Authors: Bach Juri Niño , Bramkamp Marc 
Published: May 2013

SummaryProteins and lipids are heterogeneously distributed in biological membranes. The correct function of membrane proteins depends on spatiotemporal organization into defined membrane areas, called lipid domains or rafts. Lipid microdomains are therefore thought to assist compartmentalization of membranes. However, how lipid and protein assemblies are organized and whether proteins are actively involved in these processes remains poorly understood. We now have identified flotillins to be responsible for lateral segregation of defined membrane domains in the model organism Bacillus subtilis. We show that flotillins form large, dynamic assemblies that are able to influence membrane fluidity and prevent condensation of Laurdan stained membrane regions. Absence of flotillins in vivo leads to coalescence of distinct domains of high membrane order and, hence, loss of flotillins in the bacterial plasma‐membrane reduces membrane heterogeneity. We show that flotillins interact with various proteins involved in protein secretion, cell wall metabolism, transport and membrane‐related signalling processes. Importantly, maintenance of membrane heterogeneity is critical for vital cellular processes such as protein secretion.
Roles of two large serine recombinases in mobilizing the methicillin‐resistance cassette SCCmec
Authors: Misiura Agnieszka , Pigli Ying Z. , Boyle‐Vavra Susan , Daum Robert S. , Boocock Martin R. , Rice Phoebe A. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryMethicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged via acquisition of a mobile element, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). Integration and excision of SCCmec is mediated by an unusual site‐specific recombination system. Most variants of SCCmec encode two recombinases, CcrA and CcrB, that belong to the large serine family. Since CcrA and CcrB are always found together, we sought to address their specific roles. We show here that CcrA and CcrB can carry out both excisive and integrative recombination in Escherichia coli in the absence of any host‐specific or SCCmec‐encoded cofactors. CcrA and CcrB are promiscuous in their substrate choice: they act on many non‐canonical pairs of recombination sites in addition to the canonical ones, which may explain tandem insertions into the SCCmec attachment site. Moreover, CcrB is always required, but CcrA is only required if one of the four half‐sites is present. Recombinational activity correlates with DNA binding: CcrA recognizes only that half‐site, which overlaps a conserved coding frame on the host chromosome. Therefore, we propose that CcrA serves as a specificity factor that emerged through modular evolution to enable recognition of a bacterial recombination site that is not an inverted repeat.
Improving population estimates by quantifying diving and surfacing patterns: A dugong example
Authors: Hagihara Rie , Jones Rhondda E. , Grech Alana , Lanyon Janet M. , Sheppard James K. , Marsh Helene 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDiving animals are available for detection from above the water when environmental conditions are favorable and the animals are near the surface. The number of animals that are unavailable for detection needs to be estimated to obtain unbiased population estimates. The current availability correction factors used in aerial surveys for the dugong (Dugong dugon) allow for variation in environmental conditions but use the average time dugongs spend near the surface (i.e., constant availability corrections). To improve availability estimates, we examined location and dive data from nine dugongs fitted with satellite telemetry units and time‐depth recorders (TDRs) in eastern Australia. The effects of water depth, tidal conditions, and habitat types on dugong surfacing time were examined using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). We found that availability for detection differed with water depth, and depth‐specific availability estimates were often lower than the constant estimates. The habitat effect was less influential, and there was no tidal effect. The number of dugongs estimated using depth‐specific availabilities were higher than those obtained using constant availabilities across water depth. Hence, information on water depth can refine availability estimates and subsequent abundance estimates from dugong aerial surveys. The methodology may be applicable to other aquatic wildlife.
Qualitative study on the placement of Huntington disease patients in a psychiatric hospital: Perceptions of Maltese nurses
Authors: Scerri Josianne , Cassar Rebecca 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIndividuals with adult or juvenile Huntington disease can be cared for within psychiatric hospitals. In this paper, nurses' perceptions about the appropriateness of a psychiatric setting for these patients were explored. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 Maltese nurses involved in the care of these individuals. Their responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified from this study: (i) Huntington disease is not a mental illness; (ii) the lack of specialized staff and equipment within a psychiatric setting; and (iii) a need for alternative care options. The findings provide an insight into the perceptions of nurses, as they play a key role in the care and management of individuals with Huntington disease in a psychiatric setting. The findings demonstrated the need to provide alternative residential options in the community, and to improve the care and support provided both within psychiatric hospitals and the community through staff education and the provision of necessary facilities and equipment.
Tumor treating fields: a new frontier in cancer therapy
Authors: Davies Angela M. , Weinberg Uri , Palti Yoram 
Published: May 2013

Tumor treating fields (TTFields) is a noninvasive, regional antimitotic treatment modality that has been approved for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma by the U.S. FDA and has a CE mark in Europe. TTFields therapy delivers low‐intensity (1–3 V/cm), intermediate‐frequency (100–300 kHz), alternating electric fields to the tumor using transducer arrays placed on the skin around the region of the body containing the tumor. TTFields therapy affects metaphase, by disrupting mitotic spindle formation, and anaphase, by dielectrophoretic dislocation of intracellular constituents, resulting in apoptosis. TTFields therapy is frequency tuned to specific cancer cell types. The antimitotic effect of TTFields therapy has been demonstrated in multiple cell lines when the appropriate frequency was utilized. A phase III trial of TTFields monotherapy compared to active chemotherapy in recurrent glioblastoma patients established that TTFields therapy is associated with minimal toxicity, better quality of life, and comparable efficacy to chemotherapy. Ongoing and future trials will evaluate TTFields in newly diagnosed glioblastoma, solid tumor brain metastases, nonsmall cell lung cancer, and ovarian and pancreatic cancers.
Distal Femoral Fractures in Post‐poliomyelitis Patients Treated with Locking Compression Plates
Authors: Wang Wei‐jun , Shi Hong‐fei , Chen Dong‐yang , Chen Yi‐xin , Wang Jun‐fei , Wang Shou‐feng , Qiu Yong , Xiong Jin 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTreatment of distal femoral fracture in post‐polio patients is difficult because the bone is usually osteopenic, small and deformed. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the outcomes of distal femoral fracture in post‐polio patients treated by locking compression plates (LCP).MethodsThe medical records of 19 post‐polio patients (mean age 49 years at time of surgery) were reviewed and intraoperative data retrieved. Fracture union and callus formation were evaluated on radiographs taken at each postoperative visit. Functional outcome assessments included range of motion and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score of the ipsilateral knee joint.ResultsSixteen femoral fractures occurred in the poliomyelitis‐affected limbs. The mean duration of operation was 86 min and mean blood loss 120 mL. All fractures healed (mean, four months) but union was delayed in one. At the final follow‐up 2 yrs after surgery, the mean range of knee flexion was 105° (range, 90°–130°), and mean HSS score 76 points (range, 60–93). There were no cases of nonunion, implant cutout, or other complications.ConclusionsLCP provides stable fixation of distal femoral fractures in post‐polio patients. Bony union and good functional outcomes are achieved, but delayed union and minimal callus may occur.
Surgical Treatment of Basicervical Intertrochanteric Fractures of the Proximal Femur with Cephalomeduallary Hip Nails
Authors: Hu Sun‐jun , Yu Guang‐rong , Zhang Shi‐min 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo study the outcome of basicervical intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur treated with cephalomeduallary hip nails.MethodsThe clinical outcomes of 32 cases of basicervical intertrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomeduallary hip nails from January 2008 to June 2010 were retrospectively reviewed and the progress of fracture healing and occurrence of complications recorded. The function of the hip joints was evaluated by the Harris social index 2 years postoperatively.ResultsThirty patients were followed up until fracture union for at least 24 months. Twenty‐seven fractures had healed with no loss of position by 12 months postoperatively; the remaining three had mild varus deformity of the hip joint. No patient had evidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. No cut out of the helical blade was visible on radiographs. The mean Harris score was 86.5 (75–96) two years postoperatively, 11 patients having excellent scores, 15 good and 4 fair.ConclusionClosed reduction and proximal femur intramedullary nail fixation for basicervical intertrochanteric fractures provides stable fixation and allows early exercise. It appears to have excellent outcomes in the short and medium term.