bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Tsurikisawa Naomi , Saito Hiroshi , Oshikata Chiyako , Tsuburai Takahiro , Akiyama Kazuo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundRegulatory T (Treg) cells are implicated in the development and progression of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). We previously showed beneficial effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy combined with corticosteroid and immunosuppressant treatment on clinical symptoms, including mononeuritis multiplex and cardiac dysfunction, and Treg cell frequency, during EGPA. Whether the timing of administration (during initial treatment or at relapse after remission) or previous treatment affects the clinical and immunologic efficacy of IVIG is unknown. We evaluated whether the frequency of Treg cells varied depending on when IVIG was provided relative to the start of conventional therapy for EGPA.MethodsThe patient population for this retrospective analysis comprised 17 patients with severe mononeuritis multiplex or heart failure whose EGPA did not respond to corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressant therapy. Ten patients first received IVIG during initial treatment, whereas the remaining 7 patients first received IVIG on relapse after remission. We measured the percentage of Treg cells, defined as FOXP3+CD4+ T cells, present before the first round of IVIG and at 1 month after the last IVIG treatment.ResultsFOXP3+CD4+ T cells were increased in patients who required only a single course of IVIG to achieve remission compared with those who needed two or more courses. The dosage of prednisolone at initial IVIG was inversely correlated with the ratio of the number of FOXP3+CD4+ T cells before IVIG and that at 1 month thereafter.ConclusionPatients with severe EGPA who receive IVIG after nonresponse to high‐dose prednisolone during initial treatment may need multiple courses of IVIG to achieve remission. An increase in the frequency of Treg cells after IVIG may predict the need for additional IVIG in EGPA.
Fiber type composition of the human quadratus plantae muscle: a comparison of the lateral and medial heads
Authors: Schroeder Kristen L , Rosser Benjamin WC , Kim Soo Y 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe human quadratus plantae muscle has been attributed a variety of functions, however no consensus has been reached on its significance to foot functioning. The architecture of the human quadratus plantae consists of an evolutionarily conserved lateral head, and a medial head thought to be unique to Man. Surveys of human anatomy have demonstrated the absence of either the medial or lateral head in 20% of the population, which may have implications for foot functioning if each muscle head performs a discrete function.MethodsWe investigated the quadratus plantae from eleven formalin‐embalmed specimens with a mean age of 84 ± 9 years. Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine the percentage of Type I and Type II muscle fibers in the medial and lateral heads of the quadratus plantae from these specimens.ResultsResults showed striking homogeneity in fiber type composition within an individual, with an average difference in Type I fiber content of 4.1% between lateral and medial heads. Between individuals, however, the ratio of fiber types within the quadratus plantae was highly variable, with Type I fiber percentages ranging from 19.1% to 91.6% in the lateral head, and 20.4% to 97.0% within the medial head.ConclusionsOur finding of similar fiber type composition of lateral and medial heads within an individual supports the hypothesis that the two heads have a singular function.
Amelioration of lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro by Satureja khozestanica essential oil in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Ahmadvand Hassan , Tavafi Majid , Khosrowbeygi Ali , Shahsavari Gholamreza , Hormozi Maryam , Beyranvand Khadijeh , Bagheri Shahrokh , Abdolahpour Foad 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background
We examined possible protective effect of Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKE) on in vivo and in vitro lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.

Methods
Thirty Sprage-dawley male rats were divided into three groups randomly; group one as control, group two diabetic untreatment, and group three treatments with SKE by 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, animals were anaesthetized, livers and kidneys were then removed immediately and used fresh or kept frozen until their lipid peroxidation analysis. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Blood samples were also collected before killing to measure the levels of fasting blood suger (FBS) and lipid peroxidation.

Results
SKE significantly inhibited the levels of FBS, TBARS serum and kidney content in treated group compared with the diabetic untreated group. Also the levels of malonedialdehyde liver content unaltered in treated group. SKE significantly inhibited LDL oxidation in vitro.

Conclusions
The findings showed that SKE exerts beneficial effects on the lipid peroxidation in alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.
Mesenchymal properties of SJL mice-stem cells and their efficacy as autologous therapy in a relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis model
Authors: Marin-Bañasco Carmen , García Margarita Suardíaz , Guerrero Issac Hurtado , Sánchez Rafael Maldonado , Estivill-Torrús Guillermo , Fernández Laura Leyva , Fernández Oscar Fernández 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a multipotent population of adult stem cells, which may represent a promising therapeutic approach for neurological autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The mouse is the most used species for obtaining and studying the characteristics of MSC and their potential as autologous transplants in pre-clinical models. However, conflicting data have been published disclosing intraspecies variations. The choice of the mouse strain and the tissue source appear, among others, as important factors in the experimental application of MSCs.

Methods
Adipose tissue-derived MSCs obtained from the SJL/JCrl mouse strain (SJL-AdMSC) have been cultured for a long time (from passage 0 up to 15) under controlled experimental conditions, and their growth rate, morphology, stromal and haematopoietic marker expression profiles and differentiation capacity towards adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes have been determined. Moreover, their preclinical efficacy has been assessed by autologous transplant in relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomielitis (RR-EAE)-induced SJL mice (a well established mice model for the study of RR-multiple sclerosis).

Results
We demonstrate that SJL-AdMSCs show the same fibroblastic shape, growth rate, profile of markers expression and multipotency described for MSCs in every passage evaluated (up to passage 15). Additionally, SJL-AdMSCs ameliorate the RR-EAE course, suggesting that they could modulate disease progression. Moreover, their features studied are fully comparable with the standardized Ad-MSCs obtained from the C57BL/6 mouse strain, which strengthens their use in cell therapy.

Conclusion
SJL-AdMSCs might be a suitable source of Ad-MSCs for studies related to the properties of MSCs and their application as promising therapeutic tools in autologous transplants in experimental medicine.
Lifetime hypertension as a predictor of brain structure in older adults: cohort study with a 28-year follow-up
Authors: Allan Charlotte L. , Zsoldos Enikõ , Filippini Nicola , Sexton Claire E. , Topiwala Anya , Valkanova Vyara , Singh-Manoux Archana , Tabák Adam G. , Shipley Martin J. , Mackay Clare , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Kivimäki Mika 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundHypertension is associated with an increased risk of dementia and depression with uncertain longitudinal associations with brain structure.AimsTo examine lifetime blood pressure as a predictor of brain structure in old age.MethodA total of 190 participants (mean age 69.3 years) from the Whitehall II study were screened for hypertension six times (1985–2013). In 2012–2013, participants had a 3T-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan. Data from the MRI were analysed using automated and visual measures of global atrophy, hippocampal atrophy and white matter hyperintensities.ResultsLongitudinally, higher mean arterial pressure predicted increased automated white matter hyperintensities (P<0.002). Cross-sectionally, hypertensive participants had increased automated white matter hyperintensities and visually rated deep white matter hyperintensities. There was no significant association with global or hippocampal atrophy.ConclusionsLong-term exposure to high blood pressure predicts hyperintensities, particularly in deep white matter. The greatest changes are seen in those with severe forms of hypertension, suggesting a dose–response pattern.
Farnesoid X Receptor Antagonizes JNK Signaling Pathway in Liver Carcinogenesis by Activating SOD3
Authors: Wang Yan-Dong , Chen Wei-Dong , Li Cunbao , Guo Cong , Li Yanyan , Qi Hui , Shen Hailing , Kong Jing , Long Xuecheng , Yuan Frank , Wang Xichun , Huang Wendong 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key metabolic and homeostatic regulator in the liver. In the present work, we identify a novel role of FXR in antagonizing c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in liver carcinogenesis by activating superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) transcription. Compared with wild-type mouse liver, FXR−/− mouse liver showed elevated JNK phosphorylation. JNK1 deletion suppressed the increase of diethylnitrosamine-induced tumor number in FXR−/− mice. These results suggest that JNK1 plays a key role in chemical-induced liver carcinogenesis in FXR−/− mice. We found that ligand-activated FXR was able to alleviate H2O2 or tetradecanoylphorbol acetate-induced JNK phosphorylation in human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells or mouse primary hepatocytes. FXR ligand decreased H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in wild-type but not FXR−/− mouse hepatocytes. FXR knockdown abolished the inhibition of 3-[2-[2-chloro-4-[[3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-5-(1-methylethyl)-4-isoxazolyl]methoxy]phenyl]ethenyl]-Benzoic acid (GW4064) on JNK phosphorylation and ROS production induced by H2O2 in HepG2 cells. The gene expression of SOD3, an antioxidant defense enzyme, was increased by FXR activation in vitro and in vivo. An FXR-responsive element, inverted repeat separated by 1 nucleotide in SOD3 promoter, was identified by a combination of transcriptional reporter assays, EMSAs, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, which indicated that SOD3 could be a direct FXR target gene. SOD3 knockdown abolished the inhibition of GW4064 on JNK phosphorylation induced by H2O2 in HepG2 cells. In summary, FXR may regulate SOD3 expression to suppress ROS production, resulting in decreasing JNK activity. These results suggest that FXR, as a novel JNK suppressor, may be an attractive therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment.
Graphene-based Highly Efficient Micromotors
Authors: Feng Xiaomiao , Zhang Yu , Li Yi , Huang Zhendong , Chen Shufen , Ma Yanwen , Zhang Lei , Wang Lianhui , Yan Xiaohong 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Graphene-based micromotors with an alveolate surface of MnO2 hydrogen peroxide propelled are described. The micromotors display powerful propulsion in a low fuel level (2.5%), with a speed of over 111 µm s−1, as well as efficient locomotion in biological media such as bovine serum. It has a good motion even in very low levels of the hydrogen peroxide fuel (down to 0.15%), which can compare favorably with Pt. The attractive properties of these new chemical-prepared micromotors hold great promise for biomedical applications.
Capacity Enhancement by the Formation of Embossing Primary Particles of 0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Nanofibers
Authors: Kim Cheong , Yoo Gi Won , Son Jong Tae 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Li-rich nanofibers embossing primary particles were successfully prepared by electrospinning. By electrospinning, many primary particles were observed at the nanofibers. It has a positive influenced on electrochemical properties at high temperature. To demonstrate this, we tested the electrochemical properties of the Li-rich nanofibers at 55 °C. The initial charge and discharge capacities of the Li-rich nanofibers were 305 and 276 mA h g−1, respectively. Indicating that embossing the primary particle enhanced the surface area, and thereby enhanced the electrochemical properties.
Regioselective Oxidative Oligomerization Reaction of 2-tert-Alkylpyrene and Isolation of Structurally Well-defined 1,3-Pyrenylenes
Authors: Yamashita Ken-ichi , Nakamura Akihiro , Sugiura Ken-ichi 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Structurally well-defined pyrene oligomers were synthesized by reacting 2-tert-alkylpyrene with Cu(BF4)2·nH2O in butyronitrile. It was found that the dimer was formed selectively on treatment with 0.5 equiv of the Cu salt, and no higher oligomers were formed (corrected yield, c.y.: 81%). Even-numbered oligomers were prepared easily by repeated dimerization, i.e., the dimer formed the tetramer (c.y.: 51%) and the tetramer gave the octamer (c.y.: 38%).
Helix-sense-selective Polymerization of Achiral Phenylacetylenes by Using One-handed Helical Poly(phenylacetylene)s as Chiral Cocatalysts Prepared by Helix-sense-selective Polymerization of Achiral Phenylacetylenes
Authors: Zhang Geng , Liu Lijia , Aoki Toshiki , Teraguchi Masahiro , Kaneko Takashi 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
We found that the helix-sense-selective polymerization (HSSP) of achiral phenylacetylenes having two hydroxy groups was realized by using one-handed helical poly(phenylacetylene)s as chiral cocatalysts prepared by HSSP of the same or similar achiral phenylacetylenes having two hydroxy groups. In other words, the chirality caused only by the one-handed helical backbone was found to be able to work as a cocatalyst in the chiral catalytic system. In addition, the efficiency of the chiral induction was high and almost the same as that of the HSSP by using enatiomerically pure phenylethylamine as a cocatalyst.
Marketing Activities �f Professional educational Organizations: Declarations �nd Realities
Authors: �����������  , Kuteynitsyna Tatyana , �������  , Alasheev Sergei 
Published: December 2014

The article presents the results of a sociological survey, the purpose of which is to determine the place and role of marketing in the management of
professional educational organizations. Based on interviews with heads of organizations and documentary sources, it describes the organizational
form and governance structure of marketing activities, analyzed trends and results of marketing institutions. Researchers note that the majority of professional
educational organizations use elements of marketing in their activities in varying degrees. However the policy of sales of educational services
dominates over marketing policy of activity of the professional educational organizations. The article examines the goal-setting of managers and the
market orientation of professional educational organizations. The authors conclude that marketing is seen only as one of the areas of work, but doesn&#180;t
act as way of management of establishment of secondary professional education.
School Teaching Success�s Pedagogical Forecasting System Development
Authors: ������  , Panova E. 
Published: December 2014

The problem of increase of efficiency and quality related to pedagogical administrative activity in general education institutions is of special interest in
conditions of Russian Federation�s education system modernization.
Approaches to educational process management�s information and graphic models formation on the basis of integrated and generalized indexes and
creation of own structure of teaching success indicators� dynamics have been presented in this work. Possibilities related to creation of extrapolation
and phase models, allowing to build the operational, medium-term and long-term forecast related to success of quality management of teaching in
educational quarters, half-year, year and long-term dynamics in educational institution, to allocate and analyze inter-subject interrelations, to provide
motivation to training, efficiency of teaching programs� implementation and situational management functions realization have been described.
A school management�s technological model which will allow to correlate dynamically the received end results to the knowledge base about being updated
educational requirements and tasks, to build real forecasts, and to transfer a routine work on intra school progress control to creative process, that
will considerably strengthen the substantial party of teaching quality management in modern school�s conditions has been described.
Necrotising soft tissue infection in a UK metropolitan population
Authors: Glass GE , Sheil F , Ruston JC , Butler PEM 
Published: December 2014

Introduction Necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a rare but life threatening diagnosis. Geographic, economic and social variances influence presentation and prognosis. As the current literature does not reflect a UK metropolitan population, we conducted a retrospective chart review to establish pertinent features relevant to our practice. Methods Patients with histologically confirmed diagnoses of NSTI presenting to two London teaching hospitals between January 2007 and July 2013 were included in the study. Features of presentation, surgical and medical management, microbiological findings and outcome were evaluated. Results Twenty-four patients with histologically confirmed NSTI were included. Two age clusters were identified, with means of 46 years (standard deviation [SD]: 10 years) and 80 years (SD: 6 years). Pain, erythema and sepsis were common findings. Hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and type II diabetes mellitus were common co-morbidities. A third of younger patients had human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C, with a quarter dependent on drugs and/or alcohol. The mean Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score was 5.8 (SD: 3.3). The lower extremities, groin and perineum were common sites of infection. Fourteen patients required inotropic support and seventeen required transfusions. The median number of surgical procedures was 5 (range: 1–17). Group A Streptococcus was the most frequently identified pathogen. Five patients died. Being elderly, female sex and failure to use clindamycin as a first-line antibiotic were associated with significantly higher mortality. Conclusions In contrast to other recent series, group A streptococcal monomicrobial NSTI remains the most common presentation in our population. Survival is anticipated in young patients, regardless of premorbid status. Elderly patients have a poor prognosis. The negative predictive value of the LRINEC score is questioned. Use of clindamycin as a first-line antibiotic is supported.
Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair in a district general hospital
Authors: Mann CD , Luther A , Hart C , Finch JG 
Published: December 2014

Introduction The laparoscopic approach to repairing ventral and incisional hernias has gained increasing popularity worldwide. We reviewed the experience of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at a district general hospital in the UK with particular reference to patients with massive defects (diameter ≥15cm) and the morbidly obese. Methods A total of 144 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral (incisional or umbilical/paraumbilical) hernia repair between April 2007 and September 2012. Results The prevalence of conversion to open surgery was 2.8%. The prevalence of postoperative complications was 3.5%. Median postoperative follow-up was 30.2 months. A total of 5.6% cases suffered late complications and 2.8% developed recurrence. Thirty-four patients underwent repair of defects ≥10cm in diameter with a prevalence of recurrence of 5.6%. Sixteen patients underwent repair of ‘massive’ incisional hernia (diameter ≥15cm) with a prevalence of recurrence of 12.5%. Sixteen patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40kg/m2 (range, 40–61kg/m2) underwent laparoscopic repair with a prevalence of recurrence of 6.3% (p>0.05 vs BMI <40kg/m2). Conclusions Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can be carried out safely with a low prevalence of recurrence. It may have advantages in morbidly obese patients in whom open repair would represent a significant undertaking. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair may be used in cases of large and massive hernias, in which the risk of recurrence increases but is comparable with open repair and associated with low morbidity.
Dissections of regional lymph nodes for treatment of skin cancer: predicting annual caseloads that will optimise outcomes
Authors: Dickson JK , Davies A , Rahman S , Sethu C , Smith JRO , Orlando A , Ayers D 
Published: December 2014

Introduction Dissection of regional lymph nodes (RLNs) can lead to significant morbidity and a high prevalence of complications. Published guidance states that these procedures should be carried out by surgeons who are members of a specialist skin multidisciplinary team who carry out a combined minimum of 15 axillary/groin dissections per year. However, there is little evidence to guide this minimum figure of procedures. We report on the burden of service provision and prevalence of complications across the South West of England and Wales. Methods A 12-month review of dissections of RLNs for skin cancer was undertaken covering five Plastic Surgery Units with a collective catchment of 8.4 million people. Detailed data were collected on patient demographics, pathology, timing of surgery, and prevalence of complications. Results A total of 163 dissections were carried out. Forty-three per cent of patients experienced one or more complication. In that 12-month period, an average of 8 axillary/groin dissections was carried out per surgeon. A funnel plot demonstrated that the prevalence of complications for individual surgeons was within the limit of the plot but, in many cases, this was based only on a relatively small number of procedures per consultant. If surgeons carried out 10 procedures per year, the upper and lower limits on the plot were 73% and 11%, respectively. Conclusions Funnel plots can provide a useful guide as to whether the prevalence of complications for procedures for individual surgeons lies within acceptable limits. Based on these results, 10 procedures per consultant per year should be sufficient to enable meaningful assessment of the prevalence of complications.