bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The coincidence of IgA nephropathy and Fabry disease
Authors: Maixnerová Dita , Tesař Vladimír , Ryšavá Romana , Reiterová Jana , Poupětová Helena , Dvořáková Lenka , Goláň Lubor , Neprašová Michaela , Kidorová Jana , Merta Miroslav , Honsová Eva 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis, which may also coexist with other diseases. We present two patients with an unusual coincidence of IgAN and Fabry disease (FD).

Case presentation
A 26 year-old man underwent a renal biopsy in February 2001. Histopathology showed very advanced IgAN and vascular changes as a result of hypertension. Because of his progressive renal insufficiency the patient began hemodialysis in August 2001. By means of the blood spot test screening method the diagnosis of FD was suspected. Low activity of alpha-galactosidase A in the patient’s plasma and leukocytes and DNA analysis confirmed the diagnosis of FD. Enzyme replacement therapy started in July 2004. Then the patient underwent kidney transplantation in November 2005. Currently, his actual serum creatinine level is 250 μmol/l. Other organ damages included hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, neuropathic pain and febrile crisis. After enzyme replacement therapy, myocardial hypertrophy has stabilized and other symptoms have disappeared. No further progression of the disease has been noted.
The other patient, a 30 year-old woman, suffered from long-term hematuria with a good renal function. Recently, proteinuria (2.6 g/day) appeared and a renal biopsy was performed. Histopathology showed IgAN with remarkably enlarged podocytes. A combination of IgAN and a high suspicion of FD was diagnosed. Electron microscopy revealed dense deposits in paramesangial areas typical for IgAN and podocytes with inclusive zebra bodies and myelin figures characteristic of FD. FD was confirmed by the decreased alpha-galactosidase A activity in plasma and leukocytes and by DNA and RNA analysis. Enzyme replacement therapy and family screening were initiated.

Conclusions
Our results emphasize the role of complexity in the process of diagnostic evaluation of kidney biopsy samples. Electron microscopy represents an integral part of histopathology, and genetic analysis plays a more and more important role in the final diagnosis, which is followed by causal treatment.
Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain, walking function, respiratory muscle strength and vital capacity in kidney donors: a protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Galli Thiago Tafarel , Chiavegato Luciana Dias , Santiago Nathália Risso , Liebano Richard Eloin 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Pain is a negative factor in the recovery process of postoperative patients, causing pulmonary alterations and complications and affecting functional capacity. Thus, it is plausible to introduce transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief to subsequently reduce complications caused by this pain in the postoperative period. The objective of this paper is to assess the effects of TENS on pain, walking function, respiratory muscle strength and vital capacity in kidney donors.

Methods/design
Seventy-four patients will be randomly allocated into 2 groups: active TENS or placebo TENS. All patients will be assessed for pain intensity, walk function (Iowa Gait Test), respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure) and vital capacity before and after the TENS application. The data will be collected by an assessor who is blinded to the group allocation.

Discussion
This study is the first to examine the effects of TENS in this population. TENS during the postoperative period may result in pain relief and improvements in pulmonary tests and mobility, thus leading to an improved quality of life and further promoting organ donation.

Trial registration
Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos (ReBEC), number RBR-8xtkjp.
The acute impact of a hematopoietic allograft on lung function and inflammation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Enocson Alexandra , Hubbard Richard , McKeever Tricia , Russell Nigel , Byrne Jennifer , Das-Gupta Emma , Watson Lynne , Fogarty Andrew W 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
No studies have investigated the immediate impact of receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) on pulmonary inflammation or lung function.

Methods
Using a prospective study design, we quantified the changes in these outcome measures in eligible adult individuals in the first six months after receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Results
Between January 2007 and December 2008, 72 patients were eligible to participate in the cohort, and of these 68 (94%) were included in the study. Compared to baseline, pulmonary inflammation as measured by exhaled nitric oxide increased after receiving a HSCT with the largest increment seen at three months (+6.0ppb, 95%CI: +0.4 to +11.5), and this was sustained at six months. Percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second decreased over the same period, with the largest decrease observed at six weeks (−5.9%, 95% CI: -8.9 to −2.9), and this was also sustained over a six month period. Similar associations were observed for FVC. A larger increase in exhaled nitric oxide from baseline at six weeks and three months may be associated with decreased mortality (p=0.06, p=0.04 respectively).

Conclusion
Our data demonstrate that recipients of an allogeneic HSCT experience an increase in biomarkers of pulmonary inflammation and a decrease in lung function in the first six months after the procedure. If independently validated in other study populations, these observations could have potential as a prognostic biomarker for this patient group.
Propofol protects against high glucose-induced endothelial adhesion molecules expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Zhu Minmin , Chen Jiawei , Jiang Hui , Miao Changhong 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Hyperglycemia could induce oxidative stress, activate transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), up-regulate expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, and lead to endothelial injury. Studies have indicated that propofol could attenuate oxidative stress and suppress NF-κB activation in some situations. In the present study, we examined whether and how propofol improved high glucose-induced up-regulation of endothelial adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Methods
Protein expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, NF-κB, inhibitory subunit of NF-κBα (IκBα), protein kinase Cβ2 (PKCβ2), and phosphorylation of PKCβ2 (Ser660) were measured by Western blot. NF-κB activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. PKC activity was measured with SignaTECT PKC assay system. Superoxide anion (O2
.-) accumulation was measured with the reduction of ferricytochrome c assay. Human peripheral mononuclear cells were prepared with Histopaque-1077 solution.

Results
High glucose induced the expression of endothelial selectin (E-selectin), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and increased mononuclear-endothelial adhesion. High glucose induced O2
.- accumulation, PKCβ2 phosphorylation and PKC activation. Further, high glucose decreased IκBα expression in cytoplasm, increased the translocation of NF-κB from cytoplasm to nuclear, and induced NF-κB activation. Importantly, we found these high glucose-mediated effects were attenuated by propofol pretreatment. Moreover, CGP53353, a selective PKCβ2 inhibitor, decreased high glucose-induced NF-κB activation, adhesion molecules expression, and mononuclear-endothelial adhesion.

Conclusion
Propofol, via decreasing O2
.- accumulation, down-regulating PKCβ2 Ser660 phosphorylation and PKC as well as NF-κB activity, attenuated high glucose-induced endothelial adhesion molecules expression and mononuclear-endothelial adhesion.
Developing functional workspace for the movement of trunk circumduction in healthy young subjects: a reliability study
Authors: Cheng Su-Chun , Hsu Chieh-Hsiang , Ting Yi-Ting , Kuo Li-Chieh , Lin Ruey-Mo , Su Fong-Chin 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The lumbar range of motion has traditionally been used to assess disability in patients with low back disorders. Controversy exists about how movement ranges in static positions or in a single straight plane is related to the functional status of the patients. The trunk circumduction, as the result of neuromuscular coordination, is the integrated movements from three dimensions. The functional workspace stands for the volume of movement configuration from the trunk circumduction and represents all possible positions in three dimensions. By using single quantitative value, the functional workspace substitutes the complicated joint linear or angular motions. The aim of this study is to develop the functional workspace of the trunk circumduction (FWTC) considering possible functional positions in three dimensional planes. The reliability of the trunk circumduction is examined.

Methods
Test-retest reliability was performed with 18 healthy young subjects. A three-dimensional (3-D) Motion Analysis System was used to record the trunk circumduction. The FWTC was defined and calculated based on the volume of the cone that was formed as the resultant scanned area of markers, multiplied by the length of the body segment. The statistical analysis of correlation was performed to describe the relation of maximal displacements of trunk circumduction and straight planes: sagittal and coronal.

Results
The results of this study indicate that the movement of trunk circumduction measured by motion analysis instruments is a reliable tool. The ICC value is 0.90-0.96, and the means and standard deviations of the normalized workspace are: C7 0.425 (0.1162); L1 0.843 (0.2965); and knee 0.014 (0.0106). Little correlations between the maximal displacement of trunk circumduction and that of straight planes are shown and therefore suggest different movement patterns exist.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates high statistical reliability for the FWTC, which is important for the potential development as the functional assessment technique. The FWTC provides a single integrated value to represent angular and linear measurements of different joints and planes. Future study is expected to carry out the FWTC to evaluate the amount of workspace for the functional status of patients with low back injuries or patients with spinal surgery.
The combined effects of genetic variation in the SIRT1 gene and dietary intake of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on serum LDL-C and HDL-C levels: a population based study
Authors: Inamori Tomoko , Goda Toshinao , Kasezawa Nobuhiko , Yamakawa-Kobayashi Kimiko 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Dyslipidemia due to high total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, or low HDL-cholesterol is an important risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Both SIRT1 and PUFAs can influence the expression of genes for nuclear receptors and transcription factors related to lipid metabolism such as LXRα, LXRβ, PPARα, SREBP-1c.

Methods
A total of 707 Japanese males and 723 females were randomly selected from the participants who visited a medical center for routine medical check-ups. We analyzed the combined effects of the genotype/haplotype of the SIRT1 gene and dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA intake ratio on the determination of serum lipid levels.

Results
We found that the SIRT1 gene marked with haplotype 2 was associated with decreased serum LDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol levels. In addition, the associations between the SIRT1 haplotype 2 and decreased LDL-C and increased HDL-C levels were only observed in the low n-6/n-3 PUFA intake ratio group, but not in the high n-6/n-3 PUFA intake ratio group.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the combination of genetic variation in the SIRT1 gene and dietary n-6 and/or n-3 PUFA intake influence the determination of inter-individual variations of serum levels of LDL-C and HDL-C.
Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer without serosa invasion: a matched cohort study from South China
Authors: Lin Jian-Xian , Huang Chang-Ming , Zheng Chao-Hui , Li Ping , Xie Jian-Wei , Wang Jia-Bin , Lu Jun 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer is a common malignancy worldwide and a common cause of death from cancer. Despite recent advances in multimodality treatment and targeted therapy, complete resection remains the only treatment that can lead to cure. This study was devised to investigate the technical feasibility, safety and oncologic efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer without serosa invasion.

Methods
A retrospective matched cohort study was performed in south China comparing laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy and open gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer without serosa invasion. Eighty-three patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy between January 2008 and December 2010 were enrolled. These patients were compared with 83 patients with advanced gastric cancer undergoing open gastrectomy during the same period.

Results
There was no significant difference in clinicopathologic characteristics between the two groups. Regarding perioperative characteristics, the operation time and time to ground activities did not differ between the two groups, whereas the blood loss, transfused patient number, time to first flatus, time to resumption of diet, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly less in laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy than in open gastrectomy (P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative morbidity and mortality. No significant difference in the number of lymph nodes dissected was observed between these two groups. There was no significant difference in the cumulative survival rate between the two groups.

Conclusion
Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for advanced gastric cancer without serosa invasion. To be accepted as a choice treatment for advanced gastric cancer, well-designed randomized controlled trials comparing short-term and long-term outcomes between laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy and open gastrectomy in a larger number of patients are necessary.
Control of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: recommendations from Brasileish
Authors: Ribeiro Vitor Márcio , da Silva Sydnei Magno , Menz Ingrid , Tabanez Paulo , Nogueira Fábio dos Santos , Werkhaüser Manfredo , da Fonseca André Luis S , Dantas-Torres Filipe 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
On 26 October 2012, veterinary medicine clinicians and researchers, members of Brasileish - Study Group about Animal Leishmaniasis - met at the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of Minas Gerais, in the city Belo Horizonte, in order to discuss many aspects of the situation of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Brazil. In the face of recent national and international scientific evidence, we, the members of Brasileish, have elaborated some recommendations for the management and control of CVL in Brazil.
High expression of IL-17 and IL-17RE associate with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liao Rui , Sun Jian , Wu Han , Yi Yong , Wang Jia-Xing , He Hong-Wei , Cai Xiao-Yan , Zhou Jian , Cheng Yun-Feng , Fan Jia , Qiu Shuang-Jian 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical malignancy in a background of chronic inflammation. Th17 cells (a major source of IL-17) constitute crucial components of infiltrating inflammatory/immune cells in HCC and can amplify inflammatory response via binding to interleukin-17 receptor (IL-17R). Thus, we investigated the expression and clinical significance of IL-17 and IL-17 receptor family cytokines in HCC.

Methods
The expression and prognostic value of IL-17 and IL-17R (A-E) were examined in 300 HCC patients after resection. Six Th17 associated cytokines in serum (n = 111) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Phenotypic features of IL-17+ CD4+ T cells were determined by flow cytometry analysis.

Results
High expression of intratumoral IL-17 and IL1-7RE were significantly associated with poorer survival (p = 0.016 and <0.001, respectively) and increased recurrence (both P < 0.001) of HCC patients. Moreover, intratumoral IL-17, individually or synergistically with IL-17RE, could predict HCC early recurrence and late recurrence. Also, peritumoral IL-17RE showed the prognostic ability in HCC (P < 0.001 for OS/TTR). Furthermore, expression levels of Th17 associated cytokines including IL-6, -22, -17R and TNF-α were increased in serum of HCC patients compared to haemangioma patients. Importantly, activated human hepatic stellate cells induced in vitro expansion of IL-17+ CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions
High expression of IL-17 and IL-17RE were promising predictors for poor outcome of HCC patients. The protumor power of IL-17 producing CD4+ T cells was probably involved in the crosstalk with different types of inflammatory/immune cells in HCC.
Genetic diversity of arsenic accumulation in rice and QTL analysis of methylated arsenic in rice grains
Authors: Kuramata Masato , Abe Tadashi , Kawasaki Akira , Ebana Kaworu , Shibaya Taeko , Yano Masahiro , Ishikawa Satoru 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Rice is a major source of dietary intake of arsenic (As) for the populations that consume rice as a staple food. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the As concentration in rice to avoid the potential risk to human health. In this study, the genetic diversity in As accumulation and As speciation in rice grains was investigated using a world rice core collection (WRC) comprising 69 accessions grown over a 3-year period. Moreover, quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was conducted to identify QTLs controlling the dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) content of rice grains.

Results
There was a 3-fold difference in the grain As concentration of WRC. Concentrations of total-As, inorganic As, and DMA were significantly affected by genotype, year, and genotype-year interaction effects. Among the WRC accessions, Local Basmati and Tima (indica type) were identified as cultivars with the lowest stable total-As and inorganic As concentrations. Using an F2 population derived from Padi Perak (a high-DMA accession) and Koshihikari (a low-DMA cultivar), we identified two QTLs on chromosome 6 (qDMAs6.1 and qDMAs6.2) and one QTL on chromosome 8 (qDMAs8) that were responsible for variations in the grain DMA concentration. Approximately 73% of total phenotypic variance in DMA was explained by the three QTLs.

Conclusions
Based on the results provided, one strategy for developing rice cultivars with a low level of toxic As would be to change the proportion of organic As on the basis of a low level of total As content.
Cooperative immunoregulatory function of the transmembrane adaptor proteins SIT and LAX
Authors: Arndt Börge , Kalinski Thomas , Reinhold Dirk , Thielitz Anja , Roessner Albert , Schraven Burkhart , Simeoni Luca 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
SIT and LAX, two transmembrane adaptor molecules, cooperatively regulate immune functions and limit autoimmunity.
Lymphocyte activation is crucial for the generation of immune responses. In vitro studies have demonstrated that TRAPs are critical regulators of lymphocyte activation. However, more recent in vivo studies have demonstrated that with the exception of LAT, TRAPs, such as SIT, NTAL, and LAX, only minimally affect immune cell functions. Additional studies have suggested that the mild or the apparent lack of a phenotype displayed by most TRAP KO mice may be explained by functional redundancy among this family of adaptors. In fact, it has been shown that the phenotype of NTAL/LAT or SIT/TRIM double-deficient mice is more severe than that of the single KOs. Here, we have evaluated whether SIT and the related transmembrane adaptor LAX have overlapping functions by generating SIT/LAX DKO mice. We show that DKO, in contrast to single KO mice, accumulate large numbers of activated CD4+ T cells in the spleen. Moreover, conventional B cells from DKO mice are hyperproliferative upon CD40 stimulation. Additionally, we found that DKO mice displayed an expansion of the B1 cell pool in the peritoneal cavity, hypergammaglobulinaemia, and an enhanced immune response to the T1-independent antigen, TNP-LPS. Finally, we demonstrate that SIT/LAX double deficiency resulted in a more pronounced breakdown of peripheral tolerance and the development of autoimmunity characterized by ANAs and renal disease (glomerulonephritis and proteinuria). Collectively, our data indicate that SIT and LAX are important negative regulators of immune responses that functionally cooperate.
The intracellular progesterone receptor regulates CD4+ T cells and T cell-dependent antibody responses
Authors: Hughes Grant C , Clark Edward A , Wong Alan H 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
The intracellular progesterone receptor links the reproductive and immune systems via regulation of CD4+ T cells.
Pg has distinct immunomodulatory properties involved in poorly understood immune phenomena, including maternal tolerance of the fetus, increased risk of certain infections during pregnancy or after Pg birth control, and pregnancy-associated remission of autoimmune disease. Several potential mechanisms have been identified, including alteration of Th1 and Treg activity, but the precise cellular and molecular targets of Pg immunomodulation in vivo remain obscure, partly because Pg can signal through several different receptor types. One such receptor, the iPR, encoded by the pgr gene, is essential for reproduction in female mice and is expressed in the thymus and CD4+ T cells. We hypothesized that iPR regulates CD4+ T cell activity and adaptive immune responses in vivo. With the use of iPR KO mice, we demonstrate that iPR specifically suppresses TD antibody responses, primarily by dampening CD4+ Teff activity, likely via transcriptional repression of the IFN-γ gene and modulation of other programs regulating CD4+ T cells. Our results highlight a novel mechanism linking the endocrine and immune systems, and they offer insight into important but poorly understood phenomena in womenˈs health and autoimmunity.