bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B7H1/CD80 Interaction Augments PD-1–Dependent T Cell Apoptosis and Ameliorates Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Deng Ruishu , Cassady Kaniel , Li Xiaofan , Yao Sheng , Zhang Mingfeng , Racine Jeremy , Lin Jeffrey , Chen Lieping , Zeng Defu 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Interactions of B7H1 (programmed death ligand 1 [PD-L1]) with its two ligands, PD-1 and CD80, on T cells play a pivotal role in controlling T cell activation, proliferation, anergy, and apoptosis. However, the interactions between the two pathways remain unknown. Using an alloimmune response model of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), we report in this study that: 1) Comparison of proliferation and apoptosis of wild-type (WT) and PD-1−/−CD4+ conventional T (Tcon) cells in WT and B7H1−/− recipients revealed that B7H1/CD80 interaction per se augments T cell proliferation, and this interaction augments T cell apoptosis mediated by B7H1/PD-1 interaction. This observation was recapitulated in an in vitro MLR assay. 2) Specific blockade of the B7H1/CD80 axis by anti-B7H1 mAb reduces WT-alloreactive Tcon cell proliferation, IL-2 production, expression of PD-1, and apoptosis, resulting in worsening GVHD. In contrast, specific blockade of B7H1/CD80 interaction reduces donor PD-1−/− Tcon cell proliferation without an impact on apoptosis, resulting in ameliorating GVHD. 3) B7H1 fused to an Ig Fc domain (B7H1-Ig), when produced in vivo by hydrodynamic injection of B7H1-Ig plasmid, ameliorates GVHD by augmenting proliferation and apoptosis of WT- alloreactive Tcon cells. Conversely, B7H1-Ig treatment has no impact on apoptosis but augments PD-1−/− T cell proliferation and worsens GVHD. These results indicate that B7H1/CD80 interaction augments Tcon cell proliferation, IL-2 production, and expression of PD-1, which leads to increased apoptosis mediated by the B7H1/PD-1 pathway. Additionally, by engaging both PD-1 and CD80, B7H1-Ig can be a powerful therapeutic reagent for downregulating the T cell immune response.
Life threatening angioedema in a patient on ACE inhibitor (ACEI) confined to the upper airway
Authors: Tharayil Abdulgafoor Muslim , Chanda Arshad Hussain , Shiekh Hakim Ahmad , Elkhatib Mohamed Saad , Nayeemuddin Mohammed , Alshamandy Abdelhafiz Ali Ahmed 
Published: December 2014

Introduction: ACE inhibitors accounts for 8% of all cases of angioneurotic edema and the overall incidence is 0.1 to 0.7% of patients on ACE inhibitors. It is a leading cause (20-40%) of emergency room visits in the US with angioedema. We report a case of angioedema caused by ACE inhibitors confined to the upper airway after four years on treatment with Lisinopril which persisted for three weeks and required endotracheal intubation and subsequent tracheostomy due to delayed resolution. This case is one of the rare cases presented as upper airway edema which persisted for a long time. Presentation: A 60-year-old Sudanese male patient with osteoarthritis in both knees underwent bilateral total knee replacement under single-shot epidural anesthesia. He had significant past medical history of type II diabetes, bipolar affective disorder and hypertension managed with Lisinopril for the past four years. Postoperatively after 10 hours the patient desaturated and developed airway obstruction requiring intubation. Laryngoscopy revealed an edematous tongue and upper airway and vocal cords were not visualized. In view of this clinical picture a provisional diagnosis of angioedema secondary to Lisinopril was made and it was discontinued. CT scan of the neck and soft tissues revealed severe airway edema with snugly fitting endotracheal tube with no peritubal air. A repeat CT neck on the tenth postoperative day showed no signs of resolution and an elective tracheostomy was performed on the eleventh postoperative day. C1 inhibitor protein and C4 levels were assayed to exclude hereditary angioedema and were found to be within normal range. Decannulation of tracheostomy was done after airway edema resolved on the twenty-fourth postoperative day as confirmed by CT scan. Subsequently he was transferred to the ward and discharged home. Conclusion: ACEI induced angioedema is a well-recognized condition. Early diagnosis based on a high index of suspicion, immediate withdrawal of the offending drug followed by supportive therapy is the cornerstone of management.
ASPECTOS MACROSCÓPICOS E HISTOLÓGICOS DA MUCOSA GÁSTRICA DE RATOS WISTAR E SUA UTILIZAÇÃO EM MODELO DE ÚLCERAS GÁSTRICAS
Authors: De Carvalho Camilo Amaro , Fernandes Kenner Moraes , Da Matta Sérgio Luis Pinto , Fonseca Claudio César , Pinto Rogério , De Oliveira Leandro Licursi 
Published: December 2014

A busca de novos fármacos e o uso de experimentação animal tem contribuído sobremaneira para o desenvolvimento da saúde, da ciência e tecnologia, promovendo ao longo dos anos a descoberta de medidas profiláticas e tratamentos de enfermidades que acometem os seres humanos. Animais de várias espécies têm sido utilizados desde os primórdios da civilização para o desenvolvimento científico, mas dentre todos os modelos experimentais aos quais podem ser induzidas úlceras gástricas, o rato Wistar, inquestionavelmente, é o mais utilizado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma descrição anatômica e histológica do estômago de ratos Wistar os quais foram descritos. Anatomicamente, o estômago do rato Wistar (Rattus norvergicus) está localizado na cavidade abdominal sob a linha mediana ventral, na porção esquerda, caudal ao fígado. Este órgão pode ser dividido em duas regiões glandular e aglandular. Estas regiões estão separadas pela margem pregueada que faz divisão entre o epitélio estratificado pavimentoso queratinizado que reveste a porção aglandular e o epitélio simples cúbico de revestimento da região glandular. A porção aglandular se estende do esôfago até a margem pregueada, já a região glandular encontra-se com o corpo e antro pilórico. A descrição anatômica e histológica, aliada a dados bioquímicos e fisiológicos, são de suma importância na pesquisa científica e na busca de novos fármacos. Deste modo, este trabalho poderá contribuir para o aprimoramento de estudos que visam a utilização de ratos Wistar como modelo experimental de úlceras gástricas.
IMPACTO DE ENZIMAS SOBRE A DIGESTIBILIDADE DA SOJA DESATIVADA
Authors: Opalinski Michelly , Rocha Chayane Da , Maiorka Alex , Dahlke Fabiano , Silva Ana Vitória Fischer da , Borges Sebastião Aparecido 
Published: December 2014

Objetivou-se neste experimento avaliar o impacto da adição de um complexo enzimático nos valores de energia metabolizável e dos coeficientes de digestibilidade do extrato etéreo e nitrogênio da soja integral desativada com diferentes granulometrias em frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 100 frangos, machos, com peso médio de 620g. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2(com e sem complexo enzimático) x 2(granulometrias), com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições de cinco aves cada. Foram determinados os valores de energia metabolizável (EM), os coeficientes de digestibilidade do extrato etéreo, nitrogênio e aminoácidos da soja integral desativada. A granulometria e a adição do complexo enzimático não influenciaram (P>0,05) a digestibilidade dos aminoácidos e o coeficiente de digestibilidade do nitrogênio. A soja integral desativada de menor granulometria (0,650mm) apresentou maior coeficiente de digestibilidade do extrato etéreo. A adição do complexo enzimático promoveu aumento nos valores de EMA e EMAn quando utilizada soja desativada com granulometria 0,650 mm. A adição de complexo melhorou o coeficiente de digestibilidade da metionina independente da granulometria e de metionina+cistina com a maior granulometria (1,250 mm).
PARÂMETROS ELETROCARDIOGRÁFICOS DE CASCAVÉIS (Crotalus durissus, Linnaeus, 1758) EM CATIVEIRO.
Authors: Stuginski Daniel Rodrigues , Fernandes Wilson , Grego Kathleen Fernandes 
Published: December 2014

Apesar de a eletrocardiografia ser vastamente empregada na clínica veterinária, esta ferramenta ainda é pouco utilizada no diagnóstico de patologias em serpentes. Este trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização dos parâmetros eletrocardiográficos da espécie Crotalus durissus em cativeiro, sob condições controladas. Para isto, 23 serpentes foram submetidas ao exame eletrocardiográfico, aonde os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados: a freqüência cardíaca, ritmo, eixo cardíaco, ondas P e T, complexo QRS, assim como os intervalos P-R e S-T nas derivações cardíacas DI, DII, DIII, Avf, Avl e Avr. Os resultados demonstraram que a técnica foi eficiente nas mensurações das deflexões cardíacas, porém a análise da freqüência e ritmo geralmente é prejudicada devido a um viés estresse-induzido e sua interpretação deve ser cautelosa. Os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos de Crotalus durissus determinados neste trabalho foram bastante consistentes e com mínimas variações, o que parece possibilitar sua utilização no diagnóstico das doenças cardíacas em serpentes. A escassez de padrões eletrocardiográficos em serpentes torna muito difícil a comparação e a interpretação de como as variáveis morfológicas, fisiológicas e ecológicas podem influenciar os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, por este motivo, novas pesquisas que determinem os padrões eletrocardiográficos de diferentes espécies serão absolutamente necessárias para o uso do eletrocardiograma como ferramenta diagnóstica na rotina clínica.
IMPORTÂNCIA DA CRIPTOSPORIDIOSE COMO ZOONOSE
Authors: Galvão André Luiz Baptista , Ortiz Edna Gómez , Bresciani Kátia Denise Saraiva , Ferreira Guadalupe Sampaio , Vasconcellos Amanda Leal de , Vieira Manuela Cristina 
Published: December 2014

Os protozoários do gênero Cryptosporidium sp. são parasitos que completam seu ciclo biológico na superfície de células epiteliais dos tratos respiratório, gastrointestinal e urinário de mamíferos, aves, répteis e peixes. A criptosporidiose é uma enfermidade que quando ocorre na forma de infecção natural, geralmente se apresenta assintomática ou com alterações gastrointestinais. Considerada como uma zoonose, pois os animais quando infectados, principalmente os bovinos, constituem em fonte de infecção para o ambiente e para o homem, uma vez que eliminam grandes quantidades de oocistos em suas fezes. A sintomatologia quando presente é caracterizada por diarréia aquosa, desidratação, dores abdominais, perda de peso e morte, principalmente em indivíduos imunossuprimidos, e notadamente em paciente com vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e em crianças. Métodos terapêuticos eficazes no combate deste agente para os animais e para o homem, até o presente momento não foram estabelecidos, sendo aplicado o tratamento de suporte. Desta forma, trata-se de uma doença emergente, e a organização mundial de saúde a colocou na lista das doenças negligenciadas. Medidas de profilaxia são recomendadas como saneamento básico, utilização de métodos apropriados para a inativação dos oocistos e garantia de higiene pessoal constituem táticas para se minimizar a disseminação do Cryptosporidium. A presente revisão literária teve como o objetivo em descrever a importância da criptosporidiose em saúde pública, como o Cryptosporidium um potencial agente zoonótico.
OCCURRENCE OF CRYPTOSPORIDIUM SP. IN DOGS AND CATS FROM CURITIBA AND ITS METROPOLITAN AREA
Authors: Grecca Martha , Thomaz-Soccol Vanete , Costa Ribeiro Magda C , Truppel Jessé Henrique , Tracz Pereira Juliana , Osaki Silvia C 
Published: December 2014

The present study was carried out with the aim of assess the occurrence of Cryptosporidium sp. infection in dogs and cats in Curitiba and its metropolitan area, state of Paraná, Brazil. Techniques employed to detect the protozoan in fecal samples were: staining by Ziehl-Neelsen for oocysts search and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the 18SSU rDNA gene. To attempt the proposed aim, 91 feces samples of dogs and 25 of cats were collected and analyzed. Ziehl-Neelsen technique was unable to detect any oocyst in both groups analyzed, showing a very low sensitivity. Results of nPCR showed an infection rate of 13.2% (12/91) and 4% (1/25) in dogs and cats respectively. The implications of these epidemiological data are discussed in this work.
ASSOCIATION OF MICROSATELLITE MARKERS WITH PRODUCTION TRAITS IN SANTA INÊS AND CROSSBRED SHEEP
Authors: Petroli Cesar Daniel , Paiva Samuel Rezende , Paim Tiago Do Prado , McManus Concepta Margaret 
Published: December 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi de associar alelos de 13 loci de microssatélites no cromossomo 20 de ovinos (Major Histocompatibility Complex - MHC) com características de desempenho e carcaça bem como resistência à parasitas gastrointestinais em 138 ovinos Santa Inês e seus cruzamentos com Bergamasca, Texel e Ile de France. Os seguintes loci foram selecionados: BM1818, OarCP73, OarHH56, DYA, OLADRB, CP101, OMHC1, DQA2, DQA1, TFAP2A, DQBA27, Bf94_1, e INRA132. Dados foram analisados em Cervus e SAS ® para determinar níveis de heterozygosidade e associações de marcadores com peso, carcaça e ovos por grama de fezes (OPG). Os marcadores mostraram alta variabilidade genética entre indivíduos. Para características de carcaça oito associações significativas (p<0.05) foram observadas, bem como associação positiva entre OPG e dois marcadores da MHC ovina.
Donors in Chains: Psychosocial Outcomes of Kidney Donors in Paired Exchange
Authors: Serur David , Charlton Marian , Lawton Michelle , Sinacore Joseph , Gordon-Elliot Janna 
Published: December 2014

Background Kidney paired donation chains are initiated by nondirected donors and propagated by donors within the chain of transplants, or chain donors. Objective To compare psychosocial and functional outcomes, and to test coercion, of chain donors in paired exchange versus traditional directed donors who have an established relationship with the recipient. Methods Thirty chain donors from a transplant center who were part of the National Kidney Registry paired exchange program were compared with 34 traditional donors who donated around the same time. Participants completed online surveys: the post-donation section of the Living Donor Expectancies Questionnaire was used to assess psychosocial and functional outcomes 1 to 6 years after donation. A survey to assess coercion was used as well. Results Chain donors and traditional donors were similar in terms of sex, race, age, and time after donation. The 2 groups had similar altruistic motives in donating their kidney, and both types of donors mentioned psychological benefits. No differences were found on questions regarding psychosocial outcomes save for the “quid pro quo scale” ( P = .01), which suggested that the traditional donors felt more that the recipients are indebted to them. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in the coercion measure. Pressure to donate and stress of donation were not greater in chain donors than traditional donors ( P = .60). Conclusion Kidney donors in kidney paired donation chains do as well as traditional donors psychosocially without any increased tendency toward experiencing coercion.
Perceptions of Transplant Surgery among Living Liver Donors in Japan
Authors: Morooka Yuki , Umeshita Koji 
Published: December 2014

Context To minimize impaired psychosocial outcomes among living liver donors, it may be useful to obtain their views about being a donor with respect to their specific backgrounds. Objective To describe the perceptions of living liver donors with respect to transplant surgery and to determine whether any differences in perceptions were related to the recipient's age or prognosis. Design, Setting, and Patients In total, 240 living liver donors (mean age, 44.4 years) openly and freely described their views on transplant. Results Content analysis of the descriptions revealed 4 categories: grateful for the benefits of living donor liver transplant (n = 143, 59.6%), facing the limitations of living liver transplant (n = 125, 52.1%), donor stress (n= 105, 43.8%), and crucial preoperative period (n = 75, 31.2%). The frequency of descriptions of gratitude for the benefits of transplant differed significantly between adult-to-adult and adult-to-child transplants: donors to children (ie, recipients <18 years old) were more grateful than were donors to adults (ie, recipients ≥18 years old). In addition, descriptions of gratitude differed significantly depending on the recipient's prognosis: donors with recipients who survived were more grateful and experienced fewer difficulties than did donors with recipients who died. Conclusions In general, living liver donors were satisfied with transplant surgery but experienced living donor liver transplant as a burden, which was affected by the transplant outcome and the age of the recipient.
The Role of Prophylactic versus Selective Ureteric Stenting in Kidney Transplant Patients: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Ordon Michael , Ghiculete Daniela , Stewart Robert , Pace Kenneth T. , Honey R. John D'A. 
Published: December 2014

Objective To evaluate the role of prophylactic versus selective ureteric stenting in the development of postoperative ureterovesical complications in kidney transplant recipients. Methods Records of 614 transplant patients seen from January 2006 to May 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was the rate of ureterovesical complications, defined as the development of ureteric obstruction or a ureterovesical anastomotic leak. The secondary outcomes were the rate of urinary tract infections and forgotten stents. Using a χ2 test, we compared the primary and secondary outcomes across the selective and prophylactic cohorts. Logistic regression was used to compare the 2 cohorts while adjusting for potential confounders. Results The selective and prophylactic cohorts consisted of 258 and 330 patients, respectively. Unadjusted analysis showed that the prophylactic group had a significantly lower rate of ureterovesical complications than did the selective group (2.12% vs 6.20%; odds ratio, 0.33; P = .01). After adjustment for differences in sex and donor type, the prophylactic group still had a lower risk for ureterovesical complications (odds ratio, 0.30; P = .009). Rates of urinary tract infections and forgotten stents did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Conclusions Prophylactic stenting is associated with a significantly lower rate of ureterovesical complications than is selective stenting.
Family Caregivers' inside Perspectives: Caring for an Adult with a Left Ventricular Assist Device as a Destination Therapy
Authors: Marcuccilli Linda , Casida Jesus (Jessie) , Bakas Tamilynn , Pagani Francis D. 
Published: December 2014

Context Understanding the experience of caring for an adult with a left-ventricular assist device as a destination therapy (LVAD-DT) remains in its infancy. Objective/Design A hermeneutic-phenomenological inquiry guided by van Manen's methods was used to explore the LVAD-DT family caregiving experience. Participants/Setting Seven family caregivers (1 man and 6 women) 50 to 74 years old who cared for an adult with an LVAD-DT in home settings. Recruitment and data collection occurred in an outpatient mechanical circulatory support center in the Midwest. Methods Data were collected by means of face-to-face interviews using open-ended questions and 1 follow-up interview. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis consisted of writing, rewriting, and reflecting across participants' data, which produced themes illustrating the experience and meaning of caring for an adult with an LVAD-DT. Themes were consensually validated. Procedures for trustworthiness are described. Results Five main themes were identified from participants' experiences: (1) advanced heart failure is a life-changing event, (2) self-doubt about LVAD caregiving improves over time, (3) lifestyle adjustments come with time, (4) persistent worry and stress, and (5) caregiving is not a burden—it's a part of life. These main themes were elucidated by 8 subthemes in which participants described a process of adjustment despite persistent worry and stress and eventually accepted caregiving as part of their lives. Future studies are needed to explore caregiver burden, adaptation, and the effects of caregiving outcomes, such as emotional and physical health and overall quality of life.
Facilitators and Barriers of Medication Adherence in Pediatric Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Claes Anouck , Decorte Anneloes , Levtchenko Elena , Knops Noel , Dobbels Fabienne 
Published: December 2014

Objective Many young transplant patients (≤11 years old) struggle to take their immunosuppressive and co-medications correctly, yet it remains unclear which factors positively or negatively affect medication adherence. Research studies on determinants in this age group are scarce, have methodological flaws, and focus exclusively on immunosuppressants or on barriers rather than on facilitators. Methods This study used a consecutive mixed-methods (qualitative + quantitative) design. Semistructured interviews with parents of 10 pediatric liver or kidney transplant recipients 2 to 11 years old on adherence facilitators and barriers were conducted, complemented by quantification of adherence to the immunosuppressants and co-medications, and completion of the “immunosuppressive medication adherence barriers” self-report instrument. Results A median of 19 (range, 10–29) barriers was reported: the most commonly encountered were forgetfulness (70%), vomiting (70%), bad taste (60%), and interruptions in routine (60%). Parents reported a median of 15 facilitators (range, 6–26), including using practical aids (100%), having medication with you at all times (100%), having to take fewer medications (80%), and experiencing fewer regimen changes over time (80%). No clear distinction between immunosuppressants or co-medications was made. Conclusions This study provides several new insights based on peer experience to support future patients and their parents in medication adherence.
VALUE: A framework to validate downscaling approaches for climate change studies
Authors: Maraun Douglas , Widmann Martin , Gutiérrez José M. , Kotlarski Sven , Chandler Richard E. , Hertig Elke , Wibig Joanna , Huth Radan , Wilcke Renate A.I. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractVALUE is an open European network to validate and compare downscaling methods for climate change research. VALUE aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between climatologists, impact modellers, statisticians, and stakeholders to establish an interdisciplinary downscaling community. A key deliverable of VALUE is the development of a systematic validation framework to enable the assessment and comparison of both dynamical and statistical downscaling methods. In this paper, we present the key ingredients of this framework. VALUE's main approach to validation is user‐ focused: starting from a specific user problem, a validation tree guides the selection of relevant validation indices and performance measures. Several experiments have been designed to isolate specific points in the downscaling procedure where problems may occur: what is the isolated downscaling skill? How do statistical and dynamical methods compare? How do methods perform at different spatial scales? Do methods fail in representing regional climate change? How is the overall representation of regional climate, including errors inherited from global climate models? The framework will be the basis for a comprehensive community‐open downscaling intercomparison study, but is intended also to provide general guidance for other validation studies.